The BSOS Summer Scholars program supports undergraduate students doing independent research projects with faculty in the summer. Recipients will gain a competitive edge when applying for graduate study, national scholarships, and other awards. Students may expand their research into an independent study or Honors thesis during the following fall semester. Support may not be used for study abroad programs. The program is modeled after, but separate from, the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Student Proposed Innovation and Research Experience (SPIRE). Students may apply for both opportunities but may only accept one. Additionally, students will be expected to deliver a “product” to the Dean’s Office at the completion of the summer; this can be a final report, presentation, conference proposal, or other document that might be developed during the course of the research project.

Students and their mentors are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and submitted by Friday, February 27, 2026 at 5pm ET. The Faculty member must have an appointment in a BSOS department or center and the student must be a BSOS major.