Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Awards
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) awards provide funds to support faculty-mentored research and creative projects undertaken by undergraduate students. Applications consist of a summary of the work to be completed and a budget. Budgets can include funds to pay for supplies and materials to support the project, travel to the site of the project and a stipend for the student.
Application reviews are carried out by faculty who specialize in the four URCA content areas:
- Biomedical Science – Any science that applies principles of the natural sciences (life or physical) to medicine or health
- STEM – science*, technology, engineering, and mathematics
*Any science that does not apply principles of the natural sciences (life or physical) to medicine or health - Social Science
- Arts and Humanities
Applications are submitted and reviewed through Smartsheet.
URCA Application Materials
- 2025-2026 URCA Application Instructions (Please review before starting the application.)
- Ready to apply for the Fall 2026 cycle? Use this Smartsheet form.
Upcoming Dates
- Fall 2025 Cycle
- Application Cycle Open: August 28, 2025
- Information Session for Students: September 3, 2025 4:00PM-4:45PM EDT
Microsoft Teams Meeting Link - Application Due Date: September 26, 2025 5:00PM EDT
- Spring 2026 Cycle
- Application Cycle Open: December 15, 2025
- Information Session for Students: November 19, 2025 3:30PM-4:00PM EDT
Microsoft Teams Meeting Link - Application Due Date: January 16, 2026 5:00PM EDT
Additional Information
- Funded Application Examples
View examples of funded applications in all four content areas:- Biomedical Sciences
- STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Students (PDF)
- Mentors and Project Administrators (PDF)
URCA Reporting
Final Reports
- Complete this form for URCA final reporting (Smartsheet)
Past URCA Awardees
