Home » news » Summer Exploration Grant Accepting Applications

Summer Exploration Grant Accepting Applications

Since 2010, the School of Undergraduate Studies’ Summer Exploration Grant has given UGS students the opportunity to explore their research interests during the summer break. Grants can be requested in any amount up to $2,000, and have helped UGS students travel, conduct lab research, complete unpaid internships, volunteer, and more.

Read about the 2019 recipients and then consider applying for the 2020 Summer Exploration Grant.

Ethical Leadership in Costa Rica

This past summer, A’Layjah Brown participated in a study abroad program, “Socially Responsible and Ethical Leadership,” in Costa Rica. A’Layjah, now a biology major, collaborated with a diverse group of students and community members, working to help a local tour guide expand his business through marketing. “Our program covered how we as leaders can give back to our communities,” she explained. Her hands-on experience in Costa Rica altered how she thinks about her goal of running her own private practice as a medical examiner. “I’m now thinking of ways I can run this business and extend myself to the communities that I’ll be working in,” she said.

Rebuilding Homes in Puerto Rico

Diana Silva volunteered with All Hands and Hearts, a non-profit dedicated to helping communities impacted by natural disasters. Diana spent her summer rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. During her down time between long days of manual labor, Diana interviewed locals for a documentary about the impact of the hurricane’s effect on Puerto Rico. She plans to use the film as part of her portfolio when applying to UT’s Radio-Television-Film program this spring. Thanks to her experience, Diana is now considering expanding her career plans to explore how non-profit work could intersect with her interest in film.

Whether you’re looking to participate in an internship, research project, or creative activity, the Summer Exploration Grant can help you gain valuable hands-on experience. Applications are open now and the deadline to apply is March 9, 2020.