Summer Scholars Program

The Summer Scholars Program is an intensive hands-on research experience that allows AU undergraduate students to collaborate with a faculty mentor in the process of discovery. Students are paid a stipend for approximately 20 hours of research per week and engage with other student researchers in professional development workshops and social gatherings. Enrolled AU students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Next Session: May 18, 2026 - July 17, 2026

Faculty Applications will be accepted November 1, 2025 - January 5, 2026.

Student Applications will be accepted February 1-15, 2026.

Read the SSP 2026 Call for Proposals

Apply through the InfoReady Portal

Program Goals
1. Advance high-impact scholarly activity that promotes significant student development, strengthens academic achievement, and contributes to the research productivity of Augusta University.
2. Provide intentional mentorship and professional development through collaborative research and creative scholarship that cultivate meaningful and sustained faculty–student engagement.
3. Deepen disciplinary knowledge and enhance evidence-based reasoning through active participation in research and scholarly inquiry.
4. Develop advanced written and oral communication skills to effectively convey purpose, methods, and outcomes to diverse academic and public audiences.

Program Expectations

In order to meet team and program objectives, all participants should be local to the Augusta area for the duration of the program and have availability during predictable times (generally 8am-3pm Monday–Friday). Participants therefore may not take or teach more than three credits while in the program. Students may not take a course with a lab if participating in the Summer Scholars Program. Courses with a lab require a great deal of time and attention and thus are not compatible with the Summer Scholars Program. Student housing is not included, thus students are expected to make their own housing arrangements.

Those who have travel plans that are not related to the Summer Scholars Program scholarly activity are encouraged to apply for another year when they have no schedule conflicts. Persons whose travel will prevent attendance at either the Orientation or final Symposium will be less competitive for the program.

Summer Scholars Application Process & Timeline

November: Call for Faculty Proposals
November - January: Faculty apply
January: Faculty Projects are reviewed and selected
February: Students apply, interviewed, and selected; Matches are finalized
March: Hiring Process
May - July: Orientations; Program is active

2026 Summer Scholars Program

Session 1: (9 weeks) May 18 - July 17, 2026
- eligible faculty may receive stipend of $1500/student
Session 2: (5 weeks) May 18 - June 19, and Symposium July 16, 2026
- eligible faculty may receive stipend of $900/student

2026 Projects

Summer 2026 Projects will be announced by January 31st, 2026.