Develop Leaders.
Elevate Transfer Excellence.
NYSTAA Professional Development Grants support members who seek to advance their skills, deepen their involvement, and strengthen transfer pathways across New York State. These grants provide funding to attend the annual NYSTAA Conference when institutional support is limited or unavailable.
Deadline: March 31, 2026
NYSTAA Professional Development Grants
The Professional Development Grant (PDG) program provides financial support for NYSTAA members to attend the annual conference when their institutions are unable to cover the cost. The NYSTAA Executive Board determines the number of grants awarded each year, with half reserved for members from Community Colleges in recognition of ongoing budget constraints.
The Awards Committee is responsible for promoting the grants, reviewing applications, selecting recipients, and verifying that previous awardees have fulfilled their required service commitment to NYSTAA within one year.
Peter Lindsay Memorial Professional Development Grant
Created in memory of Peter “Pete” Lindsay, a founding member of NYSTAA and long-time advocate for transfer students. Pete’s 21 years of dedicated service at Niagara University exemplified compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Eligibility: Members with more than three years of NYSTAA involvement
Meg Pearson Memorial Professional Development Grant
Established in honor of Margaret “Meg” Pearson, former Director of Transfer & Articulation at SUNY Cobleskill. Meg’s 25 years of service, leadership, and care for students left a lasting legacy within the transfer community and the NYSTAA organization.
Eligibility: Members with fewer than three years of NYSTAA involvement
Eligibility Requirements
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Hold an active, paid NYSTAA membership.
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Submit a letter of support from a Director or Vice President confirming that institutional funding is unavailable due to budget constraints.
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Demonstrate ongoing involvement in NYSTAA.
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Commit to “give back” within one year of receiving the grant through:
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a NYSTAA conference workshop presentation or
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active service on a NYSTAA committee or leadership role.
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Submit the PDG Application (available in the Member Area) and the required letter of support by the published deadline.
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Preference is given to applicants and institutions who have not received a grant in the past five years.
Grant Coverage
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Professional Development Grants cover:
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The full NYSTAA Conference registration fee, and
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The double-room hotel rate arranged by NYSTAA.
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If a single room is preferred, the recipient is responsible for paying the cost difference.
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NYSTAA coordinates all room reservations for grant recipients.