What does the application form look like?
A copy of the application form questions can be found here to help you understand what questions and information you are required to provide when applying to our program. *Note: only applications submitted through the online form will be accepted.
I am interested in more than one of the listed research project. Can I apply to more than one?
Yes! Please submit a single application and select your top three research projects in the online form.
Will my reference letter writer need to send more than one letter if I select more than one project?
We will contact your letter writer directly and they will need to send only one letter. It is very important that you inform your letter writer which project(s) you are selecting to so they can specifically tailor their letter to your selection.
Do I need to submit an official transcript with my application?
For your application we require a current transcript. An unofficial transcript is acceptable as long it is directly obtained from your academic institution.
How much science credits should I have completed to apply?
To be eligible for the program, applicants should have a background in biology, chemistry, molecular science, psychology, nutrition, food science, engineering, life sciences or similar. Preferentially, you will have completed at least one year of college level study in the listed disciplines above by June 2025. No previous research or course experience in the specific area to which you apply is required though! Our program is a chance for you to conduct research in an area you may not be familiar with.
My exams do not end until June 10. Can I arrive late to the program?
You are welcome to apply, however, your acceptance into the program depends whether a late start would be acceptable for your faculty mentor. A delayed start will decrease the time you will have to complete the research. We are unable to change the dates of the summer program.
I will have graduated with my bachelor's degree by the time the program starts. Will I still be able to apply?
Unfortunately, our funding mechanism allows only current undergraduates to apply. Only undergraduate students that will return to their academic institutions in fall of 2025 for at least one semester are eligible to apply.
I am a Penn State student. Can I apply to this program?
Yes, we encourage Penn State undergraduates, especially from branch campuses to apply to our program.
I am not a US citizen or permanent resident. Can I participate in this program?
The majority of our funding from USDA-NIFA is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents only. Non-US citizens/nationals in the colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Human & Health Development at Penn State may be eligible for other funding sources. We encourage those students to still apply as we review these applications on a case-by-case basis.
I participated in the summer program last year. Can I apply again?
Yes, as long as you are still eligible you may apply. Our strong preference though is to provide the opportunity to participate in our program to as many different students as possible.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my application?
*Note: You will receive a confirmation email once your application is complete. We will contact your letter writer directly for their letter. Expect to hear back from us at the end of March/early April. For all other questions, please check first the website and if you still need to contact Dr. Helene Hopfer at hxh83@psu.edu.
What financial support will I receive to participate in this program?
Every accepted student will receive a $6,774 stipend in two payments as a direct deposit at the beginning of the program and half-way through the program. The stipend will be reported to IRS as income, but no tax is withheld; please keep this in mind as you prepare your income tax return for 2025.
The stipend is meant to help pay housing, meals, and any personal expenses during the program. We will also provide travel support for your travel to and from State College, PA. Some meals will be provided by the program.
Is housing provided or do I need to arrange my own housing?
No housing is provided but some helpful resources for short-term rentals in the summer can be found here. We will also provide additional information and assistance to accepted students.
Where will the program take place and how do I get there?
All program activities will take place on the University Park campus of Penn State, located in State College, PA. You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to and from State College, PA. The nearest airport is State College Airport (SCE), and there are Greyhound buses to State College from all major cities nearby (Harrisburg, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC). Additional information can be found here and here.
How many hours am I expected to work while in the program?
Students are expected to work 40 hours each week from Mondays to Fridays. Each faculty mentor and research lab may be different depending on your research project and the lab schedule. The exact schedule should be discussed and determined with the faculty mentor.
In addition, you will connect with your faculty mentor remotely prior to the program for 1-3 hours.
