PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS TO THIS SERIES.
Overview
Funded by the University of California Office of the President, the SLC Research Associate Program: Freshman and Sophomore Series seeks to demystify the research process and acclimate students to the rigor and practice of research at Cal. Early exposure to research has been shown to increase student retention and motivation to pursue postgraduate education. Over the course of two semesters, selected participants will acquire the tools to produce an original research project from start to finish. They will each receive a stipend in the amount of $2,500, along with individualized academic support to complete their research.
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Freshman or sophomore class standing
- Be considered low-income or attended an under-resourced high school*
- Completion of at least one course at UC Berkeley that required a five-plus-page paper
- Cumulative UC GPA of 2.5 or higher
*Note: If you report an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $4,500 or less, you would meet this criterion. Similarly, if you attended a high school that has a state ranking of 4 or below, or an API score of 600 or below, you would be eligible to apply.
Features
Program features include:
- GSI mentorship
- Faculty connections
- Peer writing support
- Opportunity to present at the SLC Reseach Symposium in Fall 2017.
- A stipend in the amount of $2,500, to be disbursed in two installents, at the conclusion of each semester
Timeline
Program timeline is as follows:
- Spring 2017: Weekly research seminar
- Summer 2017: Independent research
- Early Fall 2017: SLC Research Symposium presentation
Requirements
To ensure successful completion of the program, participants are required to:
- Attend a 2-hour weekly seminar for the duration of Spring 2017, date and time TBA
- Meet with faculty sponsor at least three times over the course of the program
- Meet with seminar lead at least three times during Spring 2017
- Meet one-on-one with an SLC writing tutor on a weekly basis for the duration of the Summer 2017 (May 22-August 11)
- Produce 15-20 page research paper, due August 11, 2017
- Present research findings at Fall 2017 SLC Research Symposium
Application
Complete applications must contain the following:
- Applicant Information Form
- Supplemental Questionnaire Form
- Faculty Recommendation Form
- Copy of UC Berkeley transcript (unofficial accepted)
- Academic writing sample (at least five pages in length)
All materials, except the Faculty Recommendation Form, must be received by 5pm Wednesday, January 4th, 2017*. Faculty Recommendation Forms must be received by 5PM Wednesday, January 18th, 2017. Please email applications to Dr. Khuyen V. Nguyen at kvn@berkekey.edu with the subject line: SLC Research Associate Program Application.
*APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: 5PM FRIDAY JANUARY 13TH, 2017