U-SOAR Program

The U-SOAR program affords IUP undergraduate students a competitive edge by providing a summer research program modeled after the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates programs (NSF REU). Nationally, REU programs are one of the most valuable summer experiences students can participate in, yet the acceptance rate for most REU programs is only around 3 percent. Through U-SOAR , all IUP undergraduate students have a chance to participate in an enriching and empowering experience that links knowledge and skills learned in coursework to real-work research and societal problems.

Participation in IUP's 10-week U-SOAR program will give you a competitive advantage whether you are looking to gain experience doing research in your field, add to your résumé for a future job, improve your chances of getting into graduate school, and/or increase your confidence in relating information. Events of the program will focus on research experiences, communication, and professional development and networking. Students who have participated in past years have presented their research both nationally and internationally and have published with their research advisor in journals and books.

We understand that students have commitments outside of summer research. The program is traditionally 10 weeks and spans both summer sessions, including an introductory session, several scheduled workshops/check-in events, and a final research symposium. Students must participate in the first session, the final research symposium, and half of the workshops. Events will be in-person on campus, but remote options are available.

This is your chance to work one-on-one with those faculty members whose classes or research interests you. Don't know what faculty in your field do? Check out their faculty websites, or schedule a meeting to discuss possible research projects. You will find that IUP faculty have many areas of interest and are looking for dedicated students to help contribute to their field of study. You can also contact the Office of Undergraduate Research to get started finding a mentor!

U-SOAR offers participants a competitive summer stipend. Housing options are available, too.  Let us know if you are interested!  Students must have a completed FAFSA on file.

Apply before the deadline. If you are awarded funding and choose not to participate, your funding will be offered to another well-deserving student! There are no penalties for declining to participate—we encourage students to apply to national programs and other relevant opportunities.