UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State undergraduate students from all campuses and all fields of study who are interested in performing original research, scholarship or creative work over the summer are encouraged to apply for an Erickson Discovery Grant starting on Jan. 8.

Grants, each in the amount of $3,500, are available through the Office of Undergraduate Education for summer 2018. Last year, 82 students received grants through this program.

The purpose of the grant is to enable students to immerse themselves in their projects by using the grant to cover living expenses and project costs including supplies, materials, books, specialized software and travel for the purpose of data collection.

Student-initiated projects in the arts, business, communications, education, engineering, humanities, sciences and social sciences that provide experience in all facets of the research, scholarship or creative processes are eligible. This includes conceptualization of a question or focus, proposal writing, identification and implementation of methods, and communication of results (reporting, exhibition or performance). Projects must be under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

In order to be considered for an award, applications should be submitted by Feb. 11.

To learn more and submit an application, visit undergradresearch.psu.edu/summer_discovery.

Questions about Erickson Discovery Grants may be directed to Alan Rieck, assistant vice president and assistant dean for undergraduate education, at 814-863-1864 or ajr83@psu.edu.

The Research Opportunities for Undergraduates program is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.​