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WMSURE

WMSURE Summer Research Funding

'R' stands for Research!

At WMSURE, the R stands for Research—and that’s exactly what we deliver: transformative experiences that empower students to thrive in college and beyond. Highlighted in The Indispensable Guide to Undergraduate Research by WMSURE co-founders [[cldickter, Dr. Cheryl Dickter]] and Dr. Anne Charity Hudley shows that research is not just an academic exercise—it’s a proven pathway to success.

Why Research Matters:

  • Students who engage in undergraduate research graduate faster and with higher GPAs than their peers. Experienced student researchers have significantly higher graduating GPAs and shorter time-to-degree compared to non-research peers.
  • Research experience makes students more competitive for graduate programs. Students with intensive research experience are far more likely to pursue and succeed in graduate school than those without.
  • Undergraduate research is a recognized high-impact practice that improves retention and degree completion, especially for underrepresented and first-generation students.
  • At some institutions, students involved in research show an almost 50% increase in graduate school matriculation compared to non-research peers.

Our Approach: We meet students where they are—whether this is your first research project or you’re putting the finishing touches on your thesis. Through mentorship, workshops, and funding, WMSURE helps students navigate the academic landscape, build confidence, and develop the skills employers and graduate programs value most: critical thinking, data analysis, and communication.

At WMSURE, research isn’t just part of the name—it’s the foundation of student success.

WMSURE Summer Research Grants

Summer Research Grant: Unless otherwise noted, these awards are $4,000 to support seven full-time weeks of research. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply.

Honors Fellowship: These awards are $5,000 to support ten full-time weeks of Honors research. Juniors planning to complete Departmental Honors during their senior year are eligible to apply. 

How to apply: WMSURE provides summer research grant funding through the Charles Center Summer Research Grant Application process. 

Deadline: The application is due February 16, 2026

Learn more about and/or apply here. 

Breaking down the Process

From ideation to dissemination, WMSURE supports students for the full cycle of their research experience. WMSURE provides step-by-step guidance and resources for students in the following ways:

  • Faculty Support

    WMSURE has Faculty Fellows and faculty supporters from a variety of fields and disciplines who are trained to assist WMSURE students with their project proposals.

  • Grant Workshops

    WMSURE provides workshops during the academic year that break down the research grant process.

  • Grant Resources

    WMSURE curates various resources and templates to help students with their research project proposals.

  • Summer Support

    WMSURE monitors students during the summer through additional workshops and resources to ensure a smooth research process.

  • Publication & Presentation

    As the "capstone" of the research experience, students funded by WMSURE present at the Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium and the WMSURE Undergraduate Research Conference in the Spring.

Evaluation Criteria

Your proposal will be reviewed by a group of faculty reviewers from inside and outside your field.

Each application for a research grant will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Clarity of Proposal

    Is there a well-defined research question? Does the student clearly convey the impact/big picture of the research project? Is the proposal well written? Could a layperson understand the main points of the proposal?

  • Methodology

    Is the proposed methodology appropriate for the research question being asked? Is a project timeline provided? Do the research steps make logical sense?

  • Preparation

    Candidate’s academic or other preparation for project․ Does the candidate have sufficient background or training such as coursework, research, etc․ (formal or informal), to make the project a success? (This is based on transcript and prior experience, which may be reflected in the personal statement․)

  • Feasibility

    Feasibility of proposed project․ Does the candidate have access to the necessary resources to make the project a success? Can the proposed work be completed in the proposed timeline? Does the advisor recommendation form indicate a degree of support that will allow the project to be successful?

  • Proposal Presentation

    Can the student communicate a clear understanding of the project’s big picture?

  • Personal Statement

    Does the project fit into the student's intellectual trajectory?

Questions

Questions?

Head to the Charles Center website or click through the sections below.

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