Overview of Research Grants

Academic year grants of up to $1,200 are intended to support part-time research during the academic year.

Summer research grants of up to $4,000 for ten weeks or $1,600 for four weeks are intended to support full-time research during the summer.

Funds are expected to be used for student wages, although a small amount of grant funds can be used for research supplies.

Students are required to go through a formal proposal process, which includes:

  • Selecting a faculty mentor
  • Developing a research project
  • Composing a formatted proposal
  • Completing the review process at the school and college level

Research Grant Process

Before You Begin

If you think that you are interested in a particular field of research study, talk to your adviser, one of your faculty members, or the Chancellor’s Office staff. They will help you to identify faculty members who are conducting research or other scholarly activity in your area of interest. The next step is for you to meet with the specific faculty member to determine the next steps.

  • Is the faculty member willing to be your research mentor?
  • Where do I look for funding?
  • How do I get started writing a proposal?
  • Should I do the work for credit, as an independent study, senior project, or as a work-study activity?

Before research is begun or grant funds can be expended, the University requires that you complete the online training program related to Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI). The training modules are located on the SARI portal.

Steps for Success

How to Apply

  1. Find a Faculty Mentor – Identify a mentor and review the Grant Program Proposal Requirements.
  2. Check Deadlines – Review the Undergraduate Student Research Deadlines.
  3. Complete the Application Form – Fill out and submit the online application form.
  4. Understand the Review Process – Review the Scoring Rubric for Undergraduate Research.
  5. Complete SARI Training – Finish the online Scholarship and Research Integrity training before beginning research or expending grant funds.

During Your Research

  1. Carry Out Your Project – Work with your mentor to complete your approved research project.
  2. Use Grant Funds Appropriately – Funds are expected to be used primarily for student wages; limited research supplies are allowed.
  3. Stay in Touch with Your Mentor – Meet regularly to keep your project on track.

Final Steps

  1. Write Your Final Report – Use the Undergraduate Student Project Final Report Template (Word) to provide a written account of your research program. Check Undergraduate Student Research Deadlines for due dates.
  2. Submit Your Final Report – Upload the completed Word document via the Final Report Submission Form.
  3. Present Your Research – Participate in the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Additional Opportunities

Penn State undergraduates who present the results of their research at national or regional professional conferences may request financial support to defray the costs for attendance conference travel. For more details, see Undergraduate Conference Travel Grants.