Financial Support

AECT is unable to offer scholarships or direct financial support for participants. However, here are the two options for students and international members.

Volunteer Program

AECT seeks volunteers to assist with key tasks throughout the convention. Full- and part-time volunteers who have completed their hours of service will receive the following:

  • Full-time volunteers receive a $150 refund after completing 10 hours of service.
  • Part-time volunteers receive a $85 refund after completing 6 hours of service.

Volunteer Expectations

  • Must be an active AECT student member or graduated between December 2025 and present
  • Submit application by August 9
  • Be available to volunteer Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6
  • Accept your assigned volunteer schedule by October 2 in which you agree to these expectations:
    • Arrive on time for volunteer shift.
    • Sign-in and sign-out for assigned shift.
    • Connect with Volunteer Coordinator or AECT staff at beginning of shift to receive assigned tasks and end of shift to let us know you are leaving.
    • Be helpful and friendly — take initiative to find tasks to support AECT staff.
    • Remain dedicated to your tasks while maintaining a collaborative spirit. We encourage volunteers to engage with one another. However, please keep in mind that this is a time for focused work.
    • Find a volunteer to switch shifts with you if you have an unexpected conflict; this is your responsibility.

Volunteer seats are limited and only AECT student members or recent graduates are eligible to apply.

Submit Volunteer Application

AECT Foundation Financial Assistance Lottery

The AECT Foundation is inviting international AECT members, who are citizens living and working in a low-income nation, to enter a financial assistance lottery for the 2026 AECT convention in Chicago, IL. In addition, members of such countries who are students at a college/university in the United States may also apply.

You must have an AECT student membership that has been approved through the verification process.

The reimbursement amount will be $250, issued back to the credit card used to register for the convention.

To determine eligibility, please view the International Monetary Fund's website at www.imf.org for information on specific countries. If you meet the aforementioned criteria and the GDP per capita index for your nation is 20 thousand US dollars or less, you may enter the lottery.

Apply for the Lottery