Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Scholarships

Scholarship Overview

As part of the Provost's initiative to foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement, UC Davis is to offer scholarship funding for staff to develop process improvement skills that deliver tangible, campus-wide benefits. 

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

Learn more about the UC Davis Green Belt program.

Scholarship Application Information

To be considered for a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Scholarship, applicants must submit a project that is well-scoped, supported by leadership, and positioned to deliver meaningful improvements. Funding decisions will prioritize projects with clear alignment to UC Davis goals and potential for meaningful impact. 

Submit Project Proposal and Request for Scholarship Funding

Fall 2025 Application Timeline 

Note: This scholarship can only be applied to the project-focused UC Davis Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training provided by Continuing and Professional Education. 

Applicants should discuss project proposals with direct manager or supervisor and unit leadership prior to submitting an application as their approval is required to consider the project proposal for scholarship funding.

• Scholarship Eligibility and Selection Criteria
• All UC Davis career employees are eligible to apply for a scholarship. 
  
  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

• Ideal Project Characteristics

  1.	Delivers measurable impact:  Expected to generate at least $10,000 in hard or soft savings for UC Davis.
  2.	Targets a real, existing challenge: Focuses on a current problem or opportunity with clear potential to: reduce costs, improve customer experience, enhance operational performance.
  3.	Addresses process inefficiencies: Examples include: defects or errors, long cycle times or delays, overprocessing or redundant steps., inconsistent outcomes or high variability.
  4.	Is within your scope of work: You should have access to the process, data, and stakeholders to lead the project. It must be quantifiable and measurable, and manageable within 14 weeks.
  5.	Data is accessible: Data needed to define and measure the problem should be obtainable within a reasonable timeframe.
  6.	Supported by leadership: Project goals should be reviewed and endorsed by your unit leadership.

  
  Projects That May Not Be Suitable 

  Avoid proposing projects that:

  1.	Lack accessible data: If performance data isn’t available or is hard to gather, it’s difficult to apply Lean Six Sigma tools effectively.
  2.	Are focused on implementing a known solution: For example, rolling out a new software system is a deployment, not a process improvement project.
  3.	Involve building something entirely new: Designing a new process, product, or service from scratch is outside the scope of Green Belt training.
  4.	Have limited or unclear impact: Projects should aim to deliver meaningful, measurable improvements—not minor tweaks.
  5.	Don’t have measurable goals: If the outcomes can’t be quantified or tracked, it will be difficult to demonstrate success.
  6.	Exceed the time frame: Projects should be completed or nearly completed within 14 weeks to align with course timelines.

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

  Schedule time to connect with an OBT team member for an 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 fall '25 cohort?
  A: There is no set minimum or maximum number of scholarships. Funding will be awarded based on the quality and potential impact of submitted project proposals, rather than a fixed quota. Strong, well-supported projects with clear benefits to UC Davis will receive priority consideration.
  
  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 August. If you're not awarded a scholarship, you'll still have time to enroll using department or personal funds.
  
  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: How will my Supervisor/Manager approve my project proposal submission?
  A: Supervisor/Manager will be notified once form is submitted and will receive an auto-generated email to "Approve" or "Decline" the project proposal.  The Project Lead (Green Belt candidate) will receive notification once Supervisor/Manager submits their response. 
  
  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. Schedule time to connect or join a Lean Office Hour to discuss your project when you're ready. 
  
  Q: Where do I submit my application?
  A: Complete the project proposal form.