Summer Research Opportunities Program for Undergraduates

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) was first established in 1986 by the Graduate Deans of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). The goal of SROP is to introduce domestic underrepresented sophomores and juniors to academic research experiences. Student participants work one-on-one with a faculty mentor giving them an opportunity to experience research and the graduate student experience. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) launched its SROP in 1986, with a total of six underrepresented undergraduate students.

As UIC approaches 40 years of hosting this program, SROP has had over one thousand student participants. The success of SROP has been truly phenomenal. The retention, graduation, and post-baccalaureate rates of SROP students are substantially higher than those of the general student population. More than two-thirds of the SROP alumni have gone on to graduate and professional schools, which is four times the national average for all baccalaureates in the U.S.

UIC’s numbers are equally impressive. At last count, 97% of those students who participated in its program have continued their studies or have earned a BA/BS degree, 47% are working toward or have completed a graduate degree, and 21.2% are working toward or have completed a professional degree. Our diverse student body, research extensive standing and location in the heart of downtown Chicago provide for an exceptional summer research experience.

Undergraduates can begin to apply for participation in SROP at the end of the fall semester. The student may apply to the program already having a research project in mind and a committed faculty mentor or simply by having a research area of interest. In cases where a student has an experienced interest but no mentor, the SROP staff will try to facilitate a match. The SROP staff and faculty advisory committee are responsible for the selection process, the allocation of funding, and the evaluation of the program.

In addition to working one-on-one with a faculty member, scholars participate in the following programmatic components:

• Campus-based educational enrichment activities designed to broaden the students’ view of graduate education and research.
• Workshops that inform students about graduate admissions procedures, financial aid opportunities, and test-taking skills. Students also participate in training regarding the graduate application process.
• Seminars conducted by faculty and graduate students that expose students to a wide range of fields of study and research instruction.
• Informal social gatherings that provide a relaxed setting for students and faculty to exchange ideas and share experiences.
• The Illinois Summer Research Symposium conference where scholars have the opportunity to introduce their research and meet with other students who are interested in academic careers. Sponsored by the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
• University of Illinois Chicago sponsored final symposium for the formal presentation of scholars’ research projects.

Please note:  Due to the 30-40 hour per week obligation to research activities, students who participate in SROP should view this program as a “full-time” experience. Holding additional internships, outside employment, or taking courses of any kind during SROP is strictly prohibited.

Students who are eligible to participate in SROP at UIC must meet all of the following criteria:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (4.0 scale).
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Be enrolled as in a degree-granting program at a college or university in the United States or Puerto Rico.
• Have Sophomore or Junior classification at the time the application cycle closes (February 2026).
• Seniors who are graduating before summer 2026 are only eligible if they have been accepted to, and plan to enroll in a UIC graduate program for Fall 2026.
• Have at least one semester of undergraduate education remaining after completing the SROP.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D.
• Applicants currently enrolled at UIC must have a faculty mentor identified and confirmed upon submitting their application.
• Applicants not attending UIC are encouraged to look for potential faculty mentors (based on research discipline) at each UIC college/department homepage.
• Students who have already received their bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

What are the dates of the program? 

SROP will run from Friday, May 29, 2026, through Friday, July 24, 2026. All participants are required to be available for the entire program period.

How do I apply to the program?

Applicants must complete the full online application and submit it by the stated deadline to be considered for the program.

When can I apply to the program?

Program application will open Monday, December 15, 2025 and close Friday, February 13, 2026.

What are the required materials to apply?

• Completed application form.
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from university or college faculty members. (Submission instructions are provided within the application)
• Most recent official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
• Statement of Purpose / Career Statement (400-500 words) outlining your plans to conduct research, and motivation for pursuing graduate study.
• Research Interest Statement (400-500 words) describing the type of research work you are interested in pursuing during the program.