PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics’ Summer Scholars Program provides students a rich opportunity to conduct research while working closely with a faculty researcher. This 10-week program provides students with an intensive research experience along with seminars and training for enrichment.
Undergraduate
Graduate
Your Summer of Discovery Starts Here!
Applications for the 2027 Summer Scholars Program are NOW OPEN! Take your STEM experience beyond the classroom through 10 weeks of hand-on research alongside a faculty mentor.
Start preparing now: Prior to applying to the program, you must have a Tenure-Track faculty commit to mentoring you. Connect with them early, review the eligibility requirements below, and get ready to apply!
Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements
Students who anticipate graduating in May 2027 must apply for an undergraduate position if not accepted into a ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ graduate program for Fall 2027. Both part-time positions (20 hours per week) and full-time positions (40 hours per week) are available. Part-time scholars receive $3650 for the summer and full-time scholars receive $7300.
- Be an undergraduate student at CSU San Marcos or a student at a local community college.
- Prior to applying, you must have a faculty mentor commit to training you if you are accepted to the program.
- International student participants are required to have a U.S. bank account and a U.S. mailing address to receive their grant.
Graduate Student Mentor Requirements
To enroll as a Summer Scholars Graduate Student Mentor, you must be accepted into a graduate program for Fall 2027. The role is a part-time position, 20 hours per week. If offered and accepted, mentors receive $5,000 for the summer.
- Perform your graduate student research (approximately 16 hr/wk).
- Provide mentorship to Summer Scholar undergraduate students, both
during & outside of the program, if necessary (approximately 1 hr/wk).
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Provide guidance to undergraduate students working in your research group (approximately 1 hr/wk).
- Attend and help with the activities planned throughout the summer (approximately 2 hr/wk).
Participation Expectations
You will be expected to fully participate in all of the following in-person events:
- A kick-off meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 12-1:30pm.
- Undergraduates Only: Work on your research project approximately 40 hours per week. Some projects will be performed on campus in research labs, while others may be virtual in nature. Your research mentor will discuss this with you.
- Weekly Summer Scholars events and activities on Wednesdays from 12:00pm-1:30pm on campus. A schedule of events will be sent prior to program kickoff, but plan on blocking this time off throughout the summer.
- A research poster presentation at the Summer Scholars Showcase on Friday, August 6, 9am-2pm.
- Mandatory surveys on your experience and growth during the program and career progress in future years.
Previous Program Highlights
- 2026 Summer Scholars Poster Showcase Program
- 2026 Poster Showcase Photos
- 2025 Poster Showcase Photos
Summer Scholars Is Life-Changing for International Student
As an international student from India, software engineering major Nikita Sharma turned
her academic journey around through ÌÇÐÄÔ´´â€™s Summer Scholars Program. After conducting
machine learning research alongside faculty mentors to detect insect populations and
burrowing owls, she was awarded the $8,000 Dr. Norma Baer Maderazo Memorial Scholarship.
Beyond her research, Sharma serves as president of three student organizations, including
founding the campus chapter of Girls Who Code.
Student Testimonials
Summer Scholars Alumni
Sponsors
The Summer Scholars Program is generously supported by:
