Undergraduate Student Research Fund

Eligibility

Currently enrolled undergraduates across all disciplines, in good academic standing, may apply. This award may not be used to support enrollment in language study, established institutional research programs, study-abroad programs, or participation in volunteer positions.

How to Apply

Semester and year-long projects will be considered on a rolling basis! To be considered for the Undergraduate Research Award, submit an online application via InfoReady by February 2, 2026.

• Project Narrative (2 pages max, single-spaced, Arial) that describes what you are proposing to do and how you plan to achieve your goals.
• Budget
• Letter of Support from a Project Advisor / Faculty Mentor

Your proposal should describe the question you are asking and contextualize the central issue by providing background research. The significance and implications of your proposed project should describe how it contributes to a larger body of knowledge or field, as well as, the connection to your academic goals and personal ambitions. Describe your process without being overly technical and explain the time frame and resources needed to conduct your research, as well as the role of your faculty advisor. Include information on relevant experience and personal qualifications. Discuss how the project relates to your future goals.

IMPORTANT: A note about IRB: Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required for most research projects involving human subjects. We strongly recommend that you initiate the IRB review process several weeks or months prior to the start of your project. Visit the Instutitional Review Board page for more information and to apply.

Budget

Provide an itemized budget of up to $1,000, which may include any legitimate expenses required to carry out your project. Expenses may include:

• Materials, supplies, and printing expenses
• Software needed to conduct the project
• Access to books, publications, and archives
• Transportation related to the project
• Test subject payment
• Transcription services
• Conferences

Expenses incurred prior to the grant award date are not eligible for inclusion in the proposal budget. All expenses are subject to the current Simmons Business Expense Policy. Written notification is required, if any changes are foreseen to the proposed research project and must be approved by the committee prior to the change being made. Any inquiries should be sent to [email protected].

Faculty/Supervisor Letter of Support

A letter of support from the advisor who is most familiar with your project is required. This letter should address your ability to carry out the proposed project rather than a general letter of recommendation. Please be sure to ask your faculty advisor to write a recommendation letter for you prior to starting your application. The letter is also due by the application deadline, so please plan to submit the application early and allow time for your advisor to upload the recommendation document.

Apply Now!