Undergraduate Project Funding Sources
Student Grants and Scholarships
Many federal grant agencies as well as non-profit organizations offer research grants for undergraduates. Below is a list of some of these grant and scholarship opportunities.
Geological Society of America Research Grants
Research grants to undergraduate students are available from 3 of the 6 GSA sections: the Northeastern Section, the North-Central Section, and the Southeastern Section.
Explorers Club
Grants to students conducting individual scientific or exploration research projects with a supervising instructor. For undergraduate and graduate students and post docs. $500-$5000.
The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program - Department of the Interior
For graduate and undergraduates Geoscience students doing geologic mapping in the field.
UDALL Scholarship - Environmental Scholarships
For undergraduates in any field. $5,000.
P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - EPA
Funds an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate and/or graduate students to develop sustainable projects. The first phase is a competition for one-year grants of up to $10,000 to develop scientific or engineering designs that will promote sustainable development. In the following spring, Phase I grantees present their designs in Washington, DC where they compete for Phase II grant awards of up to $75,000.
National Geographic Young Explorers Grant Program
Grants to 18-25 year olds for projects in the fields of science, conservation and environmental studies, and in major fields of study such as Anthropology, Archaeology, Astronomy, Biology, Geography, Oceanography, and Paleontology.
Association for Women Geoscientists Scholarships
A list of scholarships for women pursuing a degree in geoscience.
Student Internships and Fellowships
Check local organizations for internship possibilities. Local sources for partnerships may include:
- University extension offices
- State Geological Survey
- Non-profit organizations
- State conservation district offices
USGS/NAGT Cooperative Field Training Program
Field camp directors may nominate students for internships available in field, laboratory, or office related scientific positions throughout the country for up to 5 months. USGS places interns wherever the project scientists need them.
Fulbright Scholars Program
Year-long fellowships fund graduating undergraduates, graduate students, and others for graduate study, research, and teaching overseas. Full funding.
This program provides undergraduate and graduate students with career enhancing field, laboratory, and research experience through participation in USGS activities as interns.
International Agricultural Internship Program, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Semester-long international agricultural trade experience, working in FAS overseas offices. Seniors and graduate students are eligible.
Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowships - American Association for the Advancement of Science
Strengthens the connections between scientists and journalists by placing students in newsrooms across the country,during the summer. Eligibility: undergraduate students in their senior year, graduate students, or anyone within a year of finishing degree. Can be in the natural, physical, health, engineering, computer, or social sciences or mathematics.
National Network for Environmental Management Studies (NNEMS) Fellowship Program - EPA
Summer internships at EPA for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Stipend provided.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates - National Science Foundation
NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.
Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science - NASA
For undergraduate students to research atmospheric science. Summer program and college funding. Funding from this grant is for underrepresented minorities or economically disadvantaged.
Summer Program in Environmental Public Health - Centers for Disease Control
For college juniors and seniors. 10- week program at the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Summer Student Internship Program - Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and EPA
10-week summer internship in EPA or Tribal offices. For Native American and other students interested in Native American issues. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.