Summer/Semester Undergraduate Research Experience Program (SURE)
Limited submission
The SURE program funds West Virginia colleges to provide undergraduates with hands-on STEM research experiences, supporting mentorship and research engagement through campus-based initiatives.
Funder: West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research
Due Dates: October 16, 2026 (full application due)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per year per award (max 3 years); ~$300,000 total annual program funding; 5–6 awards expected
Summary: Supports West Virginia colleges and universities in providing STEM research experiences for undergraduates to build research capacity and student engagement.
Description
This program enables West Virginia’s regionally accredited four-year colleges and universities to offer substantive summer or semester-long research experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for undergraduate students. The initiative addresses the limited availability of undergraduate research opportunities in the state and aims to foster student engagement, mentorship, and integration into research networks. Awards are institutional block grants to support stipends for undergraduate researchers and to implement strategic campus plans that connect students with faculty mentors, research projects, and professional development activities. The program is designed to encourage student participation in scholarly activities, increase awareness of graduate STEM opportunities, and strengthen connections with state research universities.
