Scholarship Overview

In alignment with the Provost's initiative to establish Culture of Continuous Improvement we are proud to offer this opportunity for professional development. Lean Six Sigma provides tangible outcomes that positively impact our campus community. 

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course includes hands-on, instructor-led training delivered by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. Green Belt candidates will complete a process improvement project that results in a minimum of $10,000 hard or soft savings for UC Davis. Scholarships are available to cover course fees for UC Davis employees.  

Read more about the UC Davis Green Belt program.  

Scholarship Application Information

The application period is now open for the March 2025 Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program. There are 30 scholarships available for this spring's course. 

2025 Application Timeline 

This scholarship can only be applied to the project-focused UC Davis Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training provided by Continuing and Professional Education. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline may not be considered during this review period. 

Applicants should discuss project proposals with direct manager or supervisor and unit leadership prior to submitting an application. 

Each applicant must submit their own application, even if partnering on a project with another team member. Unit leadership (e.g., Assistant Dean or Chief Operating Officer) approval is required on all scholarship applications. 

• Scholarship Eligibility and Selection Criteria
• All UC Davis career employees are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Applications must be approved by your unit's Assistant Dean, Chief Operating Officer or equivalent for consideration. 
  
  Scholarships will be distributed to UC Davis employees to best advance continuous improvement goals. Highest priority will be granted to applicants with:
  >  A viable process improvement project with expected impact of $10K or more in hard or soft savings for UC Davis
  >  At least one year of service at UC Davis and career status 
   
• Guidelines for Selecting a Lean Six Sigma Project

• The following attributes should be considered when identifying possible Lean Six Sigma Green Belt projects:

  1.	Project results in an expected impact of at least $10K in hard or soft savings for UC Davis
  2.	Project focuses on an existing problem or opportunity that has the greatest potential for cost savings, or to improve customer satisfaction or enhance long-term performance
  3.	Project addresses quality and waste issues such as defects, cycle time, over-processing, wait time, variability, etc.
  4.	The project falls within your job scope, is both quantifiable and measurable, and can be completed (or near completion) within 14 weeks
  5.	Sufficient data can be obtained within a reasonable amount of time
  6.	Project objectives have been reviewed and endorsed by unit leadership (e.g., Assistant Dean, Chief Operating Officer)

  
  The following scenarios should be avoided:

  1.	Data to evaluate process performance is not available or easily attainable
  2.	Implementation of already-established solutions such as software systems
  3.	Designing a new process, product or service from scratch.
  4.	Projects that will not make a significant difference to your organization
  5.	Projects that do not have measurable goals
  6.	Projects that require more than 14 weeks to complete (or near completion)

  If you need assistance scoping a potential Green Belt project, or discussing feasibility for success, Office of Business Transformation is happy to consult. Contact us for a informal discussion before you apply. 

• Additional Information
• By accepting a scholarship, the receiving unit authorizes UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education to release final project presentation to Office of Business Transformation for reporting purposes. Candidates will have the opportunity to request confidentiality for sensitive information. 
  
  Additionally, Green Belt recipients agree to participate in the UC Davis Lean Community of Practice to network with other practitioners and collaborate to foster a culture of continuous improvement. 
• FAQs
• Q: How many scholarships will be awarded for the spring '25 cohort?
  A: There are 30 scholarships available for the spring Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training starting on March 7, 2025. Applicants will be notified the week of January 13, 2025. Additional scholarships will be available for a fall '25 cohort, these dates not yet available.
  
  Q: If I’m applying for the scholarship, should I register for the Green Belt course to save my spot in case I don’t receive the scholarship?
  A: No, please wait to register until after scholarship decisions are made. The course will accommodate all interested applicants. Scholarship recipients will be notified in early January. If you're not awarded a scholarship, you'll still have time to enroll using department or personal funds.
  
  Q: How does the application form work? Who will be notified when I apply?
  A: When you fill out the Approval fields (Approver Name and Approver Email) on the form, your application will be automatically routed to the designated leader for approval. Your scholarship application must receive approval from the Assistant Dean (AD) or Chief Operating Officer (COO) of your school/college/administrative unit. Listing a department head or other individual (e.g., AVC, CAO) will delay the final approval process. If this happens, the Office of Business Transformation will obtain AD/COO approval before considering your application. Additionally, although your direct manager does not approve your application, they will receive notification of your submission. It's important to discuss your application intent with your manager or supervisor before submitting. Also note, that you will receive an automated message confirming approval of application.  
  
  Q: What happens if my application is declined by leadership in my school/college/unit?
  A: If your application is reviewed by the Assistant Dean (AD) or Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is declined, you will receive an automated notification indicating the decision. In this case, it's recommended to discuss the rationale with your manager and/or AD/COO. If circumstances change or decisions evolve, you are welcome to reapply.
  
  Q: Can I enroll in Green Belt training without a scholarship? For example, can my department provide funds?
  A: Yes! Department funds can certainly be used to cover course tuition fees. You can enroll today here. 
  
  Q: If multiple individuals from my team apply for scholarships and are working on the same project, will all of us be selected?
  A: Scholarship distribution prioritizes return on investment, considering project viability in the selection process. While it's possible for more than one person from a school/college/administrative unit to receive a scholarship, it's not guaranteed. Departments can fund individuals who do not receive a scholarship.
  
  Q: What should I do if I receive a scholarship but my capacity or job role changes before the training begins?
  A: Once scholarship decisions are communicated, you will need to respond to accept or decline the offer. If you choose to decline, the scholarship will be offered to the next eligible candidate in line.
  
  Q: I think I have a good project, but I'd like to discuss with a Lean coach before I submit my application. Who do I contact?
  A: The Office of Business Transformation is happy to connect with you and discuss your potential project. Contact us or join a Lean Office Hour to discuss your project when you're ready. 
  
  Q: Where do I submit my application?
  A: Complete the application form, note that you will identify an approver (Assistant Dean, Chief Operating Officer, or similar leadership) as part of the process.