The Erickson Discovery Grant Program is issuing approximately 60 grants to Penn State students participating in scholarly research or creative work for the summer of 2017. These grants will be up to $3,500 each and are available to students of any major at any campus.

 

The grant’s goal is to provide funding to projects initiated by students in their particular area of focus. Though an advising professor will supervise students, the recipients of the grant will primarily work independently to gain experience in every step of the research process, from formulating a question and drafting the proposal to exhibiting results once the project is complete. Through the research process, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. This experience will allow them to form deeper connections with faculty while also developing skills necessary for graduate programs or the work force.

 

In addition, the Erickson Discovery Grant intends to relieve students of pressures they may encounter outside of their scholarly work. This way, students who would normally be earning money by working part-time have a means of focusing entirely on their research. The grant can be used for necessary project supplies and resources as well as housing, freeing the students from anxiety that might stem from working to pay rent. This freedom gives students the ability to make steady progress on thesis research or creative projects during the summer semester when distractions are fewer on campus. Having some research already completed will make the completion of theses and creative projects more efficient come the fall.  

 

Recipients of the grant in the past have spoken about its pivotal role in their research projects.  Without the grants, some students would otherwise have had no means of completing necessary research. Luiza Lodder, an English major at University Park, is a Schreyer Scholar whose research was almost compromised because out of financial necessity. However, instead of having to work part-time, Lodder was able to complete thorough research in her area of interest.  

 

Lodder spoke about the impact the Discovery Grant has had on her research to Penn State News. “The Discovery Grant is an investment in student research and scholarship, and it validates the work, ambition and effort that students put in,” she stated.

 

Behrend historically makes research a major component of study. Students on Behrend’s campus have the advantage of a vast variety of research opportunities when applying for the grant. Smaller class sizes provide students with a more intimate relationship with faculty. This can make finding research opportunities simpler. Often when students formulate their research questions, they know the faculty member best suited to advise them.  The smaller campus allows making connections with these professors an easier process.

To apply for the Erickson Discovery Grant Program, students must submit an online application, including a two-page project proposal alongside a one-page recommendation from a faculty member. Students are eligible to receive an Erickson Grant beginning the summer before their freshman year through the summer before the year they intend to graduate.  However, students may only receive the grant once. Applications for the summer semester of 2017 will be accepted until Feb. 17.