Non-tenure-line teaching, clinical, research, and professors of practice faculty can apply to the Opportunity Grant Professional Development for NTL Faculty Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Opportunity Grant provides funding for professional development through a self-proposed development project. 

Applications for the 2027-28 academic year will open in October 2026. Please check back for more details. 

Eligibility

• Non-tenure-line teaching, clinical, and research faculty and professors of practice at the second rank or higher who have been employed full-time at Penn State for five or more consecutive years as a faculty member.
• Applicants must have the support of their academic unit head (department head, division head, school director, or DAA) and be in good standing within their unit.
• The proposal should encompass activity that is above and beyond what the applicant is normally contracted to do.
• The grant is for personal professional development only and must clearly indicate how the project will enhance the professional development of the applicant.
• Funding may not be used for summer supplemental or any other supplemental salary 

Application submission does not guarantee a faculty member will be awarded.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 

Notification 

Selected recipients will be announced in January. 

Future funding and application cycles 

Applications for the 2027-2028 Opportunity Grant Professional Development Program will open in fall 2026. A committee will review applications in December, and successful applicants will be notified in January about the funding of their projects, including any course buyouts, for the following academic year. This schedule will continue in subsequent years. 

Apply

Please use this application form to apply.