Josiah Welch | Features | Editor Jwelch3@mail.smcvt.edu
What if your next big idea didn’t just earn you an ‘A’ but earned you funding, a mentor and an opportunity to be recognized for it? St. Michael’s College is offering students the chance to deepen their education through hands-on research and creative scholarship, as part of the newly announced Undergraduate Scholar and Research Grant program for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.
Open to undergraduates across all majors, the program supports original student-led projects under the close mentorship of a faculty member. Selected students will receive a stipend for their work, as well as access to funding for supplies and travel associated with their research. According to the programs flyer, students may apply to commit to projects averaging either five or 10 hours per week during the semester for 16 weeks. The funding includes $1,250 for the five hours and $2,500 for the 10 hours and $400-800 for faculty mentors, and additional $125-250 support for materials and travel.
The Undergraduate Research Committee is made up of faculty and is run through the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A similar summer program has been run for over a decade. Over 20 students are participating in the research program taking place this summer. Implementation of the program during the school year is done to make it more accessible to everyone and not just those who can spend their summer months on campus. This research would be an additional time commitment outside of class.
Clay Williams, assistant professor of Environmental Studies and Science who is involved in the Undergraduate Research Committee, noted the versatility of the program. “Projects may be independent or aligned with a faculty member’s research focus, though the student’s work must remain original,” he said. Williams said the committee is looking for students who are driven by curiousity and a genuine interest in research, rather than previous experience in a specific field. The number of accepted projects is contingent on funding, however according to Williams it will be roughly 30-40 funded projects depending on interest. “Students will be working fairly independently; they have to have that want.”
Williams said student work can take a variety of forms. “Projects might result in a creative writing project or book, a video or art production, a scientific field or lab experiment, or an analysis of a specific industry.”
Alec Campbell, ’27, saw the research grant opportunity and thought about his Labor Economics class. In Campbell’s case, his project is researching paid time off and conducting a policy analysis, looking at case studies, and interviewing policy makers. This program peaked his interest as he wants to pursue a graduate degree in Economics and a career in public policy. “I would be examining changes in K-12 education and its effects on student outcomes such as graduation rates and wages. My faculty mentor would connect me with the correct databases and help me draw conclusions. Exploiting variations between states, local, and federal funding ratios as well as variations in funding for pupils with disabilities or other situations that require greater funding,” Campbell said.
In addition to being a great resume builder, students who have developed their projects will be expected to present their findings in a public forum, such as an academic symposium, art gallery showing or community outreach event. “In terms of presenting, it varies a lot, some statistics students may go to professional conferences or art students can have an exhibition,” Williams added, noting that additional funding is available through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Applications are due Monday, May 5, with students required to submit proposals by noon and faculty submissions due by 11:59 p.m. When talking about the application process Campbell said, “It has been difficult but rewarding. My mentor has helped me significantly and guided me through the process. I feel this process will help me better with academic research in the future and will help me with my senior thesis.”
Projects will take place during either the Fall 2025 semester (Aug. 25 – Dec. 12) or the Spring 2026 semester (Jan. 12 – May 8), with the option for students to apply for both terms.
To apply for the Undergraduate Scholar and Research Grant program, students must submit their application materials through an online form. This includes a proposal outlining their research project, which should follow specific formatting guidelines. Faculty mentors will submit a separate letter supporting the student’s application. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by the St. Michael’s College Undergraduate Research Committee, and funding decisions will be communicated after spring Commencement. This opportunity for undergraduates students is a “whole different experience” than conventional classes, Williams said. “If it’s something you’re interested in, go for it.”
Reach out to an advisor if you’re interested. The applications are reviewed May 5.