Research and Fellowship Opportunities
Section outline
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Below you will find information on some of the many research and fellowship opportunities available to you during and after your time at Hollins.
The director of undergraduate research and student fellowships, working in concert with the university's Center for Career Development and Life Design and engaged alums, is eager to support students as they pursue the array of opportunities that await them. Reach out with questions and to discuss your interests today:Chris Florio, Assistant Professor of History, Pleasants Hall Office 114, floriocm@hollins.edu
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Research opportunities enable you to pursue learning through your own investigation of novel questions. By conducting your own original research (with the support of a faculty mentor or supervisor), you have the chance to apply and build on your coursework, strengthen skills, contribute new findings to your academic field, and hone your interests. Research experiences prepare you for graduate school or to pursue any number of career opportunities after college, and may be compensated or for credit.
Fellowship opportunities are (usually) funded or paid activities that enable you to pursue your personal, academic, and career goals during and after your time at Hollins. These short- and long-term opportunities give you the chance to study, research, train, and network in specific fields and/or within specific institutions and organizations, all the while gaining new and valuable life experiences away from home.
Research and fellowship opportunities span EVERY major and discipline!
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We want you to apply and are here to help! A few important tips to get the most out of this page...
Grades come first. Many research and fellowship opportunities have a minimum GPA requirement (often 3.5 or higher) and favor applicants engaged in challenging coursework. Identify the tools, resources, routines, accommodations, and/or strategies that will enable you to do your best work in every class.
You build your best letters of recommendation every day. Most of these opportunities also require one or more strong faculty letters of recommendation. Attending class is a prerequisite to a good faculty letter, but it is not enough. Prepare and contribute consistently and with quality, attend office hours, share achievements, and get to know your faculty mentor(s) professionally. You want your letter writer to be able to identify 2-3 relevant points or anecdotes unique to you and your work. Even better, keep track of these points to share with your letter writer as examples that may be relevant to a particular application. And always important: ask early. A good letter of recommendation is not a template; it takes time to write. Ideally, you will give your writer a month or more notice but never less than a week. A generic, rushed, or lukewarm letter is not a strong letter. YOU are responsible for building your strongest faculty references.
Successful applicants start early and add to their resume credentials incrementally. There is a strategy to successfully securing research and fellowship positions; it starts by building a competitive application, one step at a time. Each J-Term and summer experience is a building block.
If you aren't rejected for something you aren't applying enough. These are all competitive opportunities, and while the applications may seem daunting, the process of applying is excellent preparation for graduate and professional school, jobs, and other future opportunities. To strategize for your best chances, it is recommended that you start at Step 1 below to build up to more competitive opportunities.
If you are excited to start applying, we recommend the following:
Step 1, Rock the classroom. Build your best GPA and recommendation letters every day.
Step 2, Begin at Hollins. Visit the Center for Career Development and Life Design or attend a workshop to build your resume. Add relevant experiences by applying to "Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Hollins" and to "Undergraduate Funding Opportunities at Hollins" to demonstrate your ability to secure grants. Be sure to explore campus internship and leadership opportunities as well.
Step 3, Expand beyond Hollins. With a strong foundation of experience on campus, your applications for paid opportunities will be more competitive. The world is wide and your Hollins classmates are not your competition; their successes should inspire your own! "Undergraduate Research Opportunities" and "External Internship Opportunities" exist in all disciplines; many of these summer opportunities have annual fall deadlines and are open to rising sophomores through seniors. Start applications early and save your materials to keep improving upon them.
Step 4, Identify relevant honors. Fellowships are rewards for the experience you have demonstrated through internal and external opportunities. With a resume evidencing your experience and dedication on AND beyond campus, your applications for "External Fellowship Opportunities" will be more competitive.
Step 5, Meet with the director for institutional nominations. If you have built your most competitive application with Steps 1-4, you may be eligible for institutional nominations. These particular "External Fellowship" honors require meeting with the director, and applications are limited to those who have demonstrated the foregoing successes.
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Each spring at Hollins, students have the opportunity to present their own individual research at the annual Student Performance and Research Conference (SPARC). In 2022, forty-seven students presented their research across eight interdisciplinary panels and five poster sessions; click here for a recent conference program.
Watch for emails about applying to SPARC early in the spring semester.
Each spring, Hollins students have the additional opportunity to submit research projects completed in Hollins courses for the Wyndham Robertson Library Undergraduate Research Award. Two winners are selected (one from the first-year/sophomore category, one from the junior/senior category). In addition to a monetary ($$$) prize, winning and finalist submissions are published in the Hollins Digital Commons.
Applications for the library's Undergraduate Research Award are due at the end of February.
Each summer, a select number of students also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with faculty as participants in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) Program. The program provides a stipend and summer housing to accepted students who participate in a cohort model during the summer months. Participants in SURF come from across all academic divisions of the university; 2021 SURF Fellows teamed up with Hollins faculty to conduct research on topics ranging from educational equity and academic suspensions during COVID to Catholic social thought in political theory to noise pollution impacts on pollination. This past summer, SURF Fellows presented their research at the annual Summer Research Symposium at Virginia Tech.
Applications to the SURF program are due early in the spring semester.
There are numerous department-specific research opportunities available at Hollins as well. For example, science majors present their research at the annual Science Seminar, while history majors are eligible to apply for the Phi Alpha Theta Paper Awards. The university's academic catalog also contains information on academic honors, honor societies, and awards. For more information on these kinds of opportunities, start by communicating your interests to your academic advisor and/or the department chair of the relevant academic program.
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Each fall and spring, Hollins undergraduates are eligible to apply for competitive grant funding to support their independent research projects and their experiential or service learning opportunities. These student-focused awards are drawn from the following endowed institutional funds:
Warren W. Hobbie Ethics and Service Endowment Fund
The purpose of the Hobbie Endowment is to provide Hollins students with an experiential or service learning opportunity that requires students to confront values or ethical issues. Awards generally range from $500 to $700, depending on the total number of qualified applicants.
Beatrice E. Gushee/Janet L. MacDonald Endowed Fund
The purpose of the Gushee/MacDonald Fund is to support students’ independent study projects that promote understanding and harmony among diverse populations. The project must have a faculty sponsor. In the past, students have used the grants to offset travel costs for projects, to acquire research materials, or to make presentations. Award amounts are generally $250, but may vary depending on the number of qualified applicants. Applicants are encouraged to detail the full amount needed for the project.
Oscar McCullough Music & Performing Arts Fund
The Oscar McCullough Music and Performing Arts Fund is available to students in music and performing arts (Theater, Dance) who need extra financial support primarily for the preparation for and the execution of senior music recitals and senior theater/dance projects.
Watch for emails with more information about applying for these funds early in the fall and spring semesters.
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There are two main avenues for you to pursue your own research interests away from campus during your summer break. The first is through our university's partnership with the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech. This program provides summer research experiences at Virginia Tech for select Hollins undergraduate students, with the goal of identifying possible mentor-mentee connections for their future graduate training. Click here to learn more about the Hollins students who participated in this program during Summer 2022.
A second way to get involved in summer research is by applying for an opportunity available through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. This program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. Click here to read about a Hollins student who participated in an REU focused on conducting historical legal research through the Digital Legal Research Lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
As an FYI, most (but not all) REUs are aimed at students with STEM-related interests, and many list U.S. citizenship as an eligibility requirement. Please be sure, then, to read the fine print when browsing the list of available programs.
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Here you will find a list of some of the many fellowship opportunities -- a number of which provide further research opportunities -- that are available to you beyond Hollins. Please note, however, that some of these fellowships are flagged as requiring an institutional nomination, which means that Hollins needs to nominate you before you are eligible to apply. Fellowship programs that require an institutional nomination are often among the most nationally competitive programs, and Hollins is only permitted to nominate a select number of candidates -- sometimes even just one candidate -- for each of these programs. If you are interested in applying to a program that requires a nomination from Hollins, be on the lookout for an email about our institution-wide nomination process in the spring (and be sure to check the program's eligibility requirements to make sure you qualify).
As you will see, some fellowships give you the chance to study and work abroad. For more information on programs that will enable you to travel abroad -- during and after college -- please contact our university's Global Learning Hub.
As you will also see, some fellowships are specifically interested in receiving applications from students of color, low-income students, and first-generation college students. Be sure to click the links for further information.
The links provided below are updated on an annual basis in August. If you click on a broken link, try typing the name of the fellowship into Google, or reach out to the director for more details.
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Requires an institutional nomination. For young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Fall deadline.
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Requires an institutional nomination. Highly competitive scholarship financing young U.S. citizens with a GPA of at least 3.7 to study in the UK. Fall deadline.
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For 20 to 35-year-old American citizens and permanent residents interested in working in France for 7 months and teaching English to French students. Applicants must be native English speakers, proficient in French, and have completed at least 3 years of higher education. Fall deadline.
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For minority students and others with an interest in African-American, African and African Diasporan Studies to pursue PhDs in the humanities. Spring deadline.
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For citizens of the U.S. who are interested in teaching and have at least a bachelor's degree by June 29, 2023. Applicants must not have lived in Japan for six or more years total since 2013. Fall deadline.
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For those with a bachelor's degree in any education-focused major who are interested in teaching English in Korea. Must have graduated college and be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language. Spring deadline.
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Requires an institutional nomination. For those interested in assisting local English teachers teaching the English language in other countries. Fall deadline.
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Requires an institutional nomination. Applicants for study/research awards design their own projects and typically work with advisers at foreign universities or other institutes of higher education. Fall deadline.
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For those yet to begin a professional career and are interested in teaching. Subjects include chemistry, math, statistics, and computer science. Fellows receive a stipend of $35,000 plus insurance benefits and campus housing.
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For women from developing and emerging economies to pursue Ph.D. or post-doctoral research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at leading universities worldwide. Fall deadline.
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For American college students and graduates who are native-like English speakers of English interested in partnering with elementary and secondary schools in Spain as English teaching assistants. Must be a U.S. citizen, have a bachelor's degree or be currently enrolled as at least a sophomore, and have a basic level of Spanish. Spring deadline.
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For university graduates who are American citizens or permanent residents interested in working at the highest levels of an international university, learning Arabic, and experiencing life in Cairo. Spring deadline.
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For those interested in learning grassroots organizing skills from some of the top practitioners in the country while working on 3-5 different campaigns on issues like climate change, rainforest protection, and sustainable agriculture. First-year annual compensation is $31,500 and benefits. Fall deadline.
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For those 21+ interested in leading youth or young adults in SCA conservation and gaining experience in trail building, habitat restoration, fire management, and visitor outreach. Must have a medical certification - Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Basic First Aid. Fall deadline.
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For those interested in ending hunger at the local, state, and federal levels. Must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Fall deadline.
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For those interested in improving their communication and critical-thinking skills by working across various industries. Fall deadline.
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For recent college and graduate school alumni interested in DC think tanks and advocacy that builds expertise and resolves global conflicts. Must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen living in the U.S. with a work visa for the duration of the fellowship. Fall deadline.
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It is a fully funded program to prepare undergraduate juniors to obtain a Master’s or a joint degree in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field. Must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA recipient. Fall deadline.
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For those interested in support focusing on mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as self-care workshops designed specifically for the struggles of entrepreneurship. You must be at least 18 years old, a leader with decision-making power within an organization, and either 1) a sole founder or 2) a leading founder on a team of people who created the organization. Summer deadline.
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For recent college graduates interested in a two-year fellowship program that provides the firsthand startup experiences and resources needed to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and startup leaders. Fall deadline.
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For college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals who aim to forge stronger relationships across geographic borders by deepening ties and understanding of the countries, cultures, and people of Asia. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Fall deadline.
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For those interested in the impact that leaders have had on social justice movements and peace and conflict resolution efforts. A fully funded summer study-abroad program designed for undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors of color; who have a GPA of at least 3.0; and are either U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. Spring deadline.
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For those interested in receiving a master’s degree and becoming dually certified to teach in either elementary education, secondary English, secondary math, or special education. Fall deadline.
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For undergraduates of all majors who are interested in empowering educational experiences for traditionally underrepresented students on their path to college. Fall deadline.
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For those interested in working side by side with local leaders abroad to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation. Subjects include agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development. Fall deadline.
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Requires an institutional nomination. Must be currently enrolled in a U.S accredited college and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or expecting citizenship by the award date. Applicants must be college juniors but can be any age, pursuing any major likely to lead to a public service career, and interested in any graduate degree other than an MBA. Spring deadline.
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For those interested in going to Europe to investigate human rights, democracy, structural injustice, and how communities co-exist to create a society. Offers both in-person and virtual fellowships. Spring deadline.
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For those interested in attending a leadership and development symposium, networking events, career workshops, and receiving coaching and mentoring. Must be a current sophomore at a four-year university in the U.S., a full-time student for the 2022-2023 academic year, eligible to work in the U.S., and have a (visible or invisible) disability. Spring deadline.
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For juniors, seniors, recent college graduates, and current master's students who have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in History. For students residing in the U.S. from historically excluded and under-represented backgrounds. Virtual Program. Fall deadline.
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For those interested in teaching at an independent or boarding school while earning their bachelors degree. Rolling deadline.
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A one week education program for rising and graduating seniors. For those who identify as a member of an underrepresented group, a first generation student, or are from a school whose graduates are sometimes underrepresented. Summer deadline.
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A 36 month salaried program for those with no background in education interested in becoming school leaders. For those with at least a bachelor's degree and 4-8 years of professional work experience outside of education. Rolling deadline.
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For undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying underserved and underrepresented populations and a career in public health. Spring deadline.
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AA two-year fellowship providing funding for an IT-related degree or internship as a path to a career in foreign service.
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A virtual program for undergraduate beginner-level learners of Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. Fall deadline.
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For U.S. BIPOC college students and recent college graduates with financial need and want to volunteer in underserved communities in Ecuador for 1 year. Fall deadline.
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For undergraduate students of color attending a four-year accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 who are interested in pursuing a career in the media and technology industries. Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident that can speak and write English fluently. Offers multi-year, paid summer internships at media companies across the country. Spring deadline.
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A two-year, paid training program for recent college graduates interested in a career in public health. Must have graduated college within the past 2 years, have at least a 2.95 GPA, commit to full-time work for 2 years, and be willing to relocated anywhere in the US at your own expense. Fall deadline.
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All funded programs must include language study as a core element for the duration of the grant. For U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and planning to study in a country for which they are not a citizen (excluding Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). Fall deadline.
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For those interested in teaching art in marginalized communities. Must be a graduate of an accredited college by July 1, 2023; have a degree in an artistic field; U.S. citizen, national, or legal resident; and able to dedicate 11 months to full-time national service. Spring deadline.
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For current or recent undergraduates and graduates from minority institutions who want to gain experience in archives or museum libraries. No in-person fellowships due to COVID. Fall deadline.
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Paid summer fellowship. For undergraduate seniors or higher interested in advancing racial equity and improving education. All majors accepted. Must be willing to relocate to a new city or town although it is not always necessary. Spring deadline
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Requires an institutional nomination.
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Requires an institutional nomination.
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Along with research and fellowship opportunities, be sure to pursue internship opportunities -- short-term early career experiences -- while at Hollins. Below is a small sample of the many internships available to you to apply for during your college career. For more information about internships available beyond Hollins, as well as internships available directly through Hollins, please contact the Center for Career Development and Life Design.
The links provided below are updated on an annual basis in August. If you click on a broken link, try typing the name of the fellowship into Google, or reach out to the director for more details. -
Included here is a select list of scholarship, grant, and essay contest applications; these are great opportunities to pursue for boosting your resume and for securing funding for college or graduate school. This list also includes links to a number of search engines that are especially useful when searching for particular kinds of internships and jobs.
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For Federal Pell Grant Recipients interested in national security. The U.S. Department of State’s scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Fall deadline.
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Here are just a few of the many (!) stories about current and former Hollins students who have successfully pursued research and fellowship opportunities. These stories can help you to think about how to pursue opportunities that will advance your own academic and career aspirations.
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Did you secure a research or fellowship opportunity? Tell us about it; we want to celebrate you!
Please include your name and the research or fellowship recognition. Links and photos are also welcome. We may share your successes or contact you with congratulations. We are cheering you on!
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