Hi, I’m Cori Franco.
I’m a PhD student and Grant Coach who supports doctoral scholars in navigating academic funding with clarity, confidence, and strategy. I hold a Grant Writing and Administration Certificate from CSU Dominguez Hills and am a previous recipient of multiple competitive scholarships, giving me both professional training and lived experience with the funding process.
For the past 3+ years, I’ve worked closely with doctoral students across coursework, proposal, and dissertation stages to identify aligned funding opportunities and develop strong, fundable applications. My approach centers transparency, skill-building, and empowerment—demystifying the hidden curriculum of academic funding so scholars can access resources without burnout or gatekeeping.
I don’t just help you apply for funding—I help you understand how funding systems work, so you can move forward with agency and intention.
My Approach
What began as a commitment to equity in academic funding has grown into a coaching practice grounded in clarity, care, and intention. My approach goes beyond process—I take time to understand your goals, context, and capacity, guiding you through funding pathways with purpose at every step. Together, we focus on building skill, confidence, and sustainable strategies—not just applications.
What Doctoral Scholars Say
Reflections from doctoral scholars navigating funding with clarity and confidence through working with Cori.
Support
“Coriiii! It was wonderful engaging with you this semester. You helped me cross off a goal on my bucket list—applying for grants. Thank you for this gift of knowledge and support!” - CIIS PhD Student
Excellent
“I was initially apprehensive because I didn’t know all the steps or how to approach the process. But Cori did an EXCELLENT job breaking the process into manageable pieces and guiding us every step of the way.”- CIIS PhD Student
Fantastic
“Cori built a fantastic program and did an excellent job teaching it.” - CIIS PhD Student
Wonderful
“This is a wonderful course, not only for grant writing but also to build clarity on the goals for one's work. It helps to reflect on the phd work itself in having to articulate and communicate it effectively.”- CIIS PhD Student
Best
“Cori did a wonderful job in laying out the information and helping the students find a grant that fits them best.”- CIIS PhD Student
Future
“I walked away feeling like my ability to fund my future study and academic ventures are in my hands.”- CIIS PhD Student
Value
“My biggest takeaway was recognizing the value of community support and 1:1 coaching (encouragement) in this process - there was SO MUCH VALUE in having a "people" space for this work, beyond a how-to manual.”- CIIS PhD Student