Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Supplemental Funding
Research Experiences for Undergrads (REUs) can be a pivotal component of an undergraduate education. They are a valuable way to gain professional research experience early in your academic career, build connections with faculty for future mentorship, assist with large-scale research projects, and explore graduate school and career pathways in computing. To increase participation in graduate school and research pathways among marginalized genders, Last Mile Education Fund offers supplemental support of up to $10,000 for undergraduate students who are women, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive participating in computing-related REUs. Want to learn more?
For Students
Applications will open in January 2025 for students who have been accepted to an REU site or are in the process of applying. We will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis through the spring of 2025. You must apply separately to an REU Site.
What is an REU and how do I get one?
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are competitive summer research programs for undergraduates studying science, engineering, or mathematics. The programs are sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and are hosted in various universities through its REU Sites program.
An REU Site consists of a group of ten (10) or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where they work closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
If you would like to pursue a computing-related REU for Summer 2025, ask your advisor or a CS faculty member about REU opportunities at your school. Or, reach out to participating Computer and Information Science and Engineering sites.
REU Site application and acceptance deadlines vary widely and we encourage you to complete the Last Mile application before you have secured an REU. Funding will be approved and the amount finalized upon acceptance into an REU.
Resources for Students
Who is eligible for Last Mile REU Supplemental Funding?
Undergraduate students that:
Demonstrate low-income status;
Identify as women, nonbinary or gender expansive;
Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions;
Are currently pursuing a computing-related degree at a US-based institution;
Have been accepted into a computing related REU for Summer 2025 or are in the process of applying (applications are accepted before REU site confirmation)
What documents are required for the application?
Current transcript including major/minor
Current financial aid award letter and/or Pell Grant eligibility
Link to your LinkedIn profile or your GitHub profile
Name and email of two (2) references (faculty or mentor)
How much funding can I request?
This award is designed to supplement the REU salary offered by your institution, to ensure a total earned amount of $10,000. If you do not yet know your REU salary, request $5,000 in the application and we will adjust the amount after you receive your REU offer.
What is the purpose of this funding?
Not every student has a safety net or financial support system that allows them to take advantage of research opportunities with low-to-no compensation. The Last Mile REU Supplemental Funding is designed to ensure a total compensation of $10,000, exceeding what a student might earn at a typical summer job. This allows REUs to be seen as a true opportunity for financially vulnerable students, rather than one in competition with their financial needs.
For Faculty and REU Hosts
Please share this resource with your students! By making sure this option is widely publicized, we can work to support those who see the lower funding model of an REU as a hurdle they can’t jump. Click here to download plug and play resources and sign up for the Last Mile newsletter to stay informed on funding opportunities as they become available.
Questions? Contact casey.koppelson.ic@lastmile-ed.org