Larsen and Kohel; photo by Jeffrey Shokler
Sophomore Apprentice Sonya Larsen (left) presents at the
Honors Summer Sophomore Research Apprenticeship Retreat at
Hilltop Farm in Spring Green, WI
 
One of the most exciting things about attending a world-class research university like UW-Madison is the chance to become involved in cutting-edge scholarly and scientific research as an undergraduate. The Honors Program provides funds for students to explore such research opportunities during the summer months. It is a great way to gain important experience, work with professors one-on-one, and lay the groundwork for future junior and senior research projects.

Sophomore Apprenticeship Grants are intended to provide students with an introductory research experience in one of their areas of interest. Annually, these grants provide up to 40 students with a stipend of $1,500 each. In exchange for the stipend the Apprentices are expected to work approximately 20 hours, or half time, over a period of 10 weeks during the summer. Apprentices and their faculty advisors are free to arrange any mutually convenient schedule for the work, although the work should be completed prior to the beginning of the Fall term.

The ultimate purpose of these apprenticeships is to allow talented students to learn what research is and how it is conducted within a discipline by participating in actual research being conducted at the University. The Apprentice's assignment(s) should be above those of a "gopher" and provide him or her with a significant opportunity both to develop research skills and to explore the research process.

Review of applications and award of Honors Summer Sophomore Apprenticeship Research Grants will be conducted by the L&S Faculty Honors Committee. The Committee does not evaluate or judge faculty research; what it does evaluate is the appropriateness and persuasiveness of the plan for the student to participate effectively in on-going research. Students will be notified by mail of their award status within three weeks of the application deadline.

Eligibility

 
  • L&S Honors Sophomore
  • L&S Honors first-year students who will have more than 30 credits after May of the current academic year
  • L&S Honors students who are classified as seniors are generally ineligible to apply for a Sophomore Research Apprenticeship; however, exceptions may be made if the proposed research experience will truly be an introductory research experience.

How to Apply

 
  • Attend an information workshop in November to learn more about this opportunity.  Attendance at the workshop is NOT required for application or award.
  • Submit the original application plus four (4) additional copies
  • Submit the original plus four (4) copies of your student transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

Application Deadline

 
  • Deadline usually in late February
  • Notification of award will take place by mail within three weeks of the application deadline.

Submit all application materials to:

 
 
L&S Honors Program
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Washburn Observatory
1401 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI  53706-1209

Questions?

 
 
Call (608) 262-2984 or e-mail honors@honors.ls.wisc.edu