Undergraduate research continues to be one of the most compelling examples of the Wisconsin Experience and often a defining experience for our students. Our success in involving and supporting undergraduates in collaborative research and service learning helps foster dynamic and meaningful intellectual, personal and professional growth. The following scholarships and fellowships continue to be available to encourage and support this work.

Please help us bring these opportunities to the attention of qualified undergraduate students. Applications are available via the respective links provided below. Note that in some cases the faculty/staff mentor may also receive funds to support the collaborative research effort. Questions may be directed to Julie Stubbs, director of the Undergraduate Academic Awards Office (awards@provost.wisc.edu, 265-2428).

Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowships and Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowships

These fellowships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff during summer 2025 or the 2025-26 academic year. The student researcher receives $3,000, and the faculty/staff research advisor may request $1,000 to help offset research costs. Students must have at least junior standing at the time of application. The Holstrom Fellowships require an environmental focus. Apply by February 12, 2025.

Sophomore Research Fellowships

These fellowships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff during summer 2025 or the 2025-26 academic year. The student researcher receives $3,000, and the faculty/staff research advisor may request $500 to help offset research costs. At the time of application, the student must be a second-year undergraduate, a first-year undergraduate who will have more than 24 credits after May 2025, or a transfer student in their first year of attendance at UW–Madison. Apply by February 24, 2025.

Lakeshore Nature Preserve Student Engagement Grants

These grants, of up to $1,000 each, are available to facilitate the use of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve as a resource for education among UW undergraduates. Any student, faculty or staff member at UW–Madison may apply. Groups of individuals may submit a proposal as a team. Every individual or team must have at least one faculty or staff member, who is expected to play an active role in overseeing the project. Apply by March 1, 2025. Funds should be expended by October 31, 2025, when a final report is due.

Public Humanities Exchange for Undergraduates (HEX-U)
This high-impact program for undergraduate students funds humanities-based projects that support a need in the Madison community beyond the university. The program provides training in community partnership, support for project development and implementation, and funding. Participating students receive a $600 stipend award and up to $2,000 in project funding. Students are encouraged to propose new, innovative ideas for engagement with the local community through a project. Apply for the spring 2025 cohort by February 10, 2025, and the fall 2025 cohort by March 31, 2025.

Wisconsin Idea Fellowships
These fellowships are awarded annually to undergraduate student projects that address a challenge identified in collaboration with a local or global community partner. Fellowships are awarded to semester-long or year-long projects designed by an undergraduate student (or group of students) in partnership with a community advisor at a community organization and a UW–Madison faculty or academic staff member. Projects can receive up to $7,000 in total funding, and students receive 3 academic credits. Apply for 2025-26 fellowships by February 9, 2025. There is a priority deadline of January 5, 2025 for applicants seeking proposal feedback from the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship Advisor.