The Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) Grant Program, funded by the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, was established in 1975 to support worthy independent student projects. In the summer of 2014, the summer program was unified, and the URCO program’s scope and budget were expanded.

View this year’s winners here.

What is an URCO Grant?

Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity (URCO) awards provide a one semester, $1,000 scholarship, to support original research, scholarship, or creative work by USU undergraduates with the guidance of a faculty member. Proposals may also include requests for additional funds to cover the costs of equipment, supplies, and project-related travel.

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Fall 2019 URCO Applications will open on June 1 and close June 15 at 11:59 p.m.

What are the benefits?

URCO grants provide an opportunity for undergraduate researchers to fund their own projects.

Research Funding

Research requires resources and URCO grants fund up to $1,000 for costs related to conducting research for your project.

Head Start

Get started on your interests, not just coursework. Customize your education with an independent, mentored, project.

Mentorship

URCO grants provide a meaningful opportunity to be mentored by faculty members specific to research of your choice.

Credentials

Build skills to make a stand-out resume or graduate school application.

Access

Use the ownership of a project to build your portfolio and gain access to conferences, showcases, and networking opportunities.

Discovery

Feel what it’s like to create or discover something new.

How do I apply?

To apply for an URCO grant you will submit a proposal the semester before you would like to receive funding. There are two criteria for award: project quality and student qualification. You must submit all sections of the proposal in order to be considered.

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When do I apply?

There are URCO grants available for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.  Applications are due the semester before you would like to receive funding.

Fall

June 1 – Application opens
June 15 – Application closes
August 3 – Recipients notified
1st day of Fall Semester – Funding available
1 year from notice of award– Reports Due

Spring

October 1 – Application opens
October 15 – Application closes
December 4 – Recipients notified
1st day of Spring Semester – Funding available
1 year from notice of award – Reports Due

Summer

February 1 – Application opens
February 15 – Application closes
April 5 – Recipients notified
1st day of Summer Semester – Funding available
1 year from notice of award – Reports Due

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What is required?

There are four requirements for URCO grants. You must:

  1. Submit a complete application
  2. Attend an URCO orientation (after receiving the grant)
  3. Present your research (after completing the project)
  4. Submit a report (after completing the project)

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