Research and Scholarship Programs

Every student deserves access to the resources and support needed to thrive and succeed. This page summarizes CU-specific scholarship programs, summer and academic-year research programs, and other short-term opportunities for students. The following resources are for students who identify with a group that has historically been excluded from fields like astrophysics and planetary science due to racism, sexism, or other forms of systemic oppression. 
 

  • The Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program (MASP)is an inclusive academic community of motivated students dedicated to pursuing academic excellence at CU Boulder. MASP supports traditionally underrepresented and/or first-generation college students who want to be part of a diverse, multicultural academic enrichment community. It is a cooperative and collaborative program that offers a participation scholarship and dedicated space for activities, advising, studying, and seminars. If you are an incoming or current CU undergraduate, see how to participate in MASP here.

  • The McNair Scholars Program, named after astronaut and physicist Ronald McNair, is a federal program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society. If you are a CU student who wants to apply to be a scholar, or if you want to nominate a student, do so here.

  • CU Boulder offers 10-week summer research internships for rising juniors and seniors through the Summer Multicultural Access to Research Training (SMART) program. This program aims to improve access to STEM research for racial/ethnic groups which are underrepresented in science, math, and engineering, and for first-generation college students who are economically disadvantaged. Students with disabilities are also welcome to apply. The internships provide hands-on experience in research and an introduction to graduate education at a leading university. Fifteen to twenty undergraduates from institutions nationwide take part in this challenging and informative program at CU each summer. If you are an undergraduate at any US college or university, apply here to come to CU for this summer internship.

  • The Colorado Advantage Graduate Preview Weekendis a fall event sponsored annually by the Colorado Diversity Initiative, and is intended for college seniors, recent graduates, and master’s degree students who are interested in pursuing a STEM doctoral degree at the University of Colorado Boulder. It provides an opportunity for underrepresented, first-generation, low-income, or disabled students to visit campus, participate in tours and workshops, learn what being a grad student at CU is like, and get assistance on grad school applications. If you want to participate, apply here by early fall.

The Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Centeris part of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. With broad goals to create an inclusive environment where students who are traditionally underrepresented in engineering are empowered to achieve their dreams, they run community building programs, offer free tutoring, provide scholarships, share opportunities for professional development and industry networking, and employ several undergraduate students.