The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accepting applications for the university’s Signature Experience Program until Oct. 15. The program encourages and supports students in developing strong research or creative projects mentored by faculty members during the 2021-22 academic year.

The Signature Experience Program was established in 2017 to provide students with up to  $1,000 in funding  to complete a research project, creative activity, service work, or professional application project that will deepen their UA Little Rock experience. In the fall of 2021, faculty mentors will assist students in applying for this grant. Students will present their finished project in the spring semester at the Student Research and Creative Works Expo.

To receive a Signature Experience grant, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and have a faculty member to mentor the project.

“In the fall, you will articulate your research project and methodologies; hopefully getting supplies, and beginning  to carry out your research in the spring semester,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, director of undergraduate research. “Think about it as a year-long opportunity to link yourself with mentors and gain experience in your major. We are interested in providing opportunities for students in creative work and disciplines that support service work and professional development.”

A portion of awards is reserved for freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students of the 2021-22 academic year. Another subset of awards is reserved for graduate students who do not have access to adequate funding.

Prior awards and projects, incomplete prior projects, and equity in colleges, departments, and mentors will all be taken into account by Student Research and Creative Works Committee members in their review and awarding of grants to encourage new research projects and broad participation in the Signature Experience Program.

Applications can be filled out at this link. Examples of abstracts, budgets, biographies, and past Research Expo programs are also available on the Signature Experience website.

For more information, please email or call Dr. Jeremy Ecke at 501-297-3925 or jsecke@ualr.edu.