Funding Sources for Senior Research Projects

Students are not required to find additional funding for their project. However the ES program can only provide a very limited amount of funding per student ($100-$150). Whilst this may be sufficient for many projects, other students may wish to explore finding additional funding in order to:

This is not a comprehensive listing of funding sources. The Office of Undergraduate Research already does an excellent job in maintaining such a list. Highlighted on this page are funding sources that are most applicable to ES196 students (and that es196 students have been most successful in obtaining) and it is suggested that students use this list as a starting point.

Please note that is is perfectly normal to put together a number of smaller sums of money to reach the target amount of funding needed. For example if $1500 is needed to travel to India to carry out the research project, it may be able to combine an L&S travel grant ($500), ASUC funding ($500), Center for Race and Gender funding ($350) and ES196 class funding ($150). Larger grants are usually more competitive and the chances of success may actually be higher if when trying to combine several smaller sources.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF)

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF) is designed to allow Berkeley undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science to spend the summer doing concentrated research in preparation for a senior thesis or another major capstone research project. In Summer 2004 fellows will receive a $2500 summer stipend, which is intended to cover basic living expenses for two months. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: L&S only, March

Biology Fellows Program

The purpose of the Biology Fellows Program grants is to provide research opportunities for undergraduates in the biological sciences during the academic year, especially for students whose financial need would make such work difficult on an unpaid basis. The emphasis of this program has been to increase the number of students from underrepresented ethnic groups and women doing research. However, all qualified undergraduates are encouraged to apply and have an equal chance for awards based on ability and drive. Fifteen to twenty grants of $1500 to $1800 are typically awarded per semester. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: Students working in the Biological Sciences, November

Nathan and Violet David Scholars Program

Each year, the Nathan and Violet David Scholars Program gives talented and service-minded students the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research in the sciences. It is the mission of this program to facilitate positive social change by enabling students with promising talent, but financial need to participate in undergraduate research, gain admission to a competitive graduate programs, and thus have the choice to pursue scientific careers at the highest level. $6,500 as a summer scholarship to pursue an independent research project in a campus lab. This money will cover the students' summer living costs and pay for expenses associated with application to graduate school. Or $4,000 for the academic year. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: Only those planning to pursue a Ph.D. program in a science discipline after graduation, April

Robert & Colleen Haas Scholars Program

The Robert & Colleen Haas Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley funds financial aid eligible, academically talented undergraduates to engage in a sustained research, field-study or creative project in the summer before and during their senior year at Berkeley. Each year, twenty Haas Scholars are selected from all disciplines and departments across the University on the basis of the merit and originality of their project proposals. $3,800 summer stipend, up to $3,600 in academic year stipend and up to $5,000 in funding for major and minor expenses. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: GPA > 3.5, February

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The Program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty on the cutting edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. Working closely with faculty, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research. New research opportunities are open at the start of each semester. Student applications and supporting materials are due in the Program Office in 347 Campbell Hall on the first day of the second week of classes each term. A few $1000-$2000 stipends available in the summer. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: Second week of each semester, January 28, GPA >2.0

Human Rights Center

The Human Rights Center awards ten summer fellowships to students at the University of California, Berkeley to work with human rights organizations in the United States and abroad. The fellowships enable students to build connections between their academic studies and complex issues in the field. Student fellows have come from a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, political science, law, environmental science, public policy, public health, and medicine. $3500. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: Late February

Center for Race and Gender (CRG)

The Center for Race and Gender (CRG) at the University of California Berkeley, awards grants of $200 to $1,000 to fund undergraduates for research or creative projects that address issues of race and gender. Applications can be submitted by any Berkeley undergraduate not matriculating at the end of the semester. Applications are particularly sought from students majoring in areas where race and gender issues have not previously been of major concern, such as Public Health, Education, Economics, Business, Journalism, Political Science, and Environmental Science, as well as areas where they have been more central. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: March

Academic Opportunity Fund

The Academic Opportunity Fund awards grants for academic travel that enhances student access to valuable educational experiences beyond the classroom. While most ASUC funding is restricted to on-campus activities, the Academic Opportunity Fund subsidizes off-campus academic pursuits-professional meetings, research conferences, academic competitions, and independent research.Awards up to $500. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: Start of each semester until funds exhausted

Carl Rosberg and Judith Geist Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

The Carl Rosberg and Judith Geist Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program in the Center for African Studies provides two undergraduate fellowships of up to $3,000 each to support undergraduate travel to Africa for research and study. Current UC Berkeley Undergraduate Students with an interest in Africa who will be registered in the academic year are eligible. Students with training in African studies and foreign languages, particularly African languages, will be given priority. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: January

College of Natural Resources Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

The Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research Program (SPUR Program) encourages faculty and undergraduate students in the College of Natural Resources to collaborate on research projects by providing a grant to support their joint project. The funding for this program is generously donated by CNR alumni. Eligible Juniors and Seniors may apply one time only during their time in CNR for SPUR funding up to $2000 to support their own research project. Major Restrictions & Deadlines: CNR only, April for summer funding.