Summer Scholars and Artists Program

Description

The office of External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center, with support from the Division of Academic Affairs, offers the Summer Scholars and Artists Program to allow undergraduates to engage in independent research, scholarship, or creative activities during the summer. This program supports the student's original research or creative project through a stipend, enabling recipients to engage in primary research or creative activities with guidance from faculty mentors. Proposals from students in all academic disciplines, departments, and colleges are welcome.

Dedicated Funds for Specific Project Areas

SSAP has dedicated funds for projects in the areas of International Security/Politics and Relations. All project ideas are warmly invited, and we especially encourage any projects that students may have in these areas of interest that allow us to take advantage of this dedicated funding. 

Details

  • Supports undergraduate students in at least eight weeks of full-time scholarly activity
  • Consists of a $3,500 student award and a $1,000 faculty award
  • Provides free on-campus housing for eight weeks, if desired

Deadline

February 16, 2025

Eligibility Requirements

Students
  • Open to undergraduates at all levels whose last semester of enrollment at Binghamton will be the fall semester after the summer program or later.
  • Interdisciplinary is encouraged, as are collaborative projects between students; please consult with us if two students are interested in applying for a joint project.
  • Cannot be used to support research assistance for a faculty member's research project.
  • If project is related to faculty member's project, the student must clearly indicate how their project is different from the faculty member's.
  • A student may only earn Summer Scholars and Artists Program funding once.
  • Summer Scholars and Artists Program is meant to be the sole funding source for the student. Please discuss any other pending awards for the period with us.
  • Applying for support for summer apprenticeships or training programs that foster the students research or creative output is supported; please indicate the location of the apprenticeship or program (an award is contingent on acceptance).
Faculty
  • Must be employed by Binghamton University throughout the award period
  • May receive funding to mentor only one student annually
  • May only sponsor two student applicants annually
  • Department chairs are eligible to receive stipends

Expectations

  1. This award is made to allow recipients to devote their full attention to the proposed research, creative project, apprenticeship or individual study during the award period. Part-time employment is discouraged; employment may be permitted under special circumstances and only with prior approval by the program manager.
  2. Recipients attend a conference and reception following the program, where they present their work and celebrate each other's achievements.
  3. Recipients must submit a mid-summer and final report on the results of their summer experience.
  4. Recipients formally present the results of their research at Research Days or otherwise publicly showcase their work, such as in a recital or performance.
  5. Recipients may be asked to provide guidance to potential future applicants in the academic year following their fellowship.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are evaluated on:
  • Intellectual quality and feasibility/educational potential of the opportunity
  • Student's preparation for the project/opportunity through prior experience or training
  • Merit of the research/creative experience
  • Faculty member's plan for support and mentoring

Apply

To apply, submit the following information:
  • Contact information
  • Faculty Mentor Contact Information
  • Contact Information for a second reference (academic, work, or personal)
  • Project information
    • Title
    • Description (approx. 250 words)
    • Methods or approaches you will use (approx. 250 words)
    • Relevant preliminary work or experiences (approx. 250 words)
    • How this project fits with your goals (approx. 250 words)

Your faculty mentor and your additional reference should submit their references through the form below by February 18, 2025. Contact Beth Polzin, bpolzin@binghamton.edu, with questions.

Application form for students

Reference form for mentors and additional recommenders