ISU IINSPIRE Application

Before Applying

  • Check Eligibility Requirements
  • Note Program Requirements and Important Dates
  • Prepare Application Documents
  • Submit an Application

Check Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for ISU IINSPIRE, you must be:

  • An enrolled Iowa State University undergraduate in a STEM major (check eligible majors)
  • A US citizen or permanent resident
  • College GPA of 2.7 or higher
  • Sophomore or junior level student (current or rising) (preferred)

Community college transfer students are eligible. Scholars may apply to receive continued funding for up to three terms, including summer (preferably consecutive).

As an applicant, you must also demonstrate:

  • Commitment to program requirements
  • Interest in both summer and academic year research experiences
  • Interest in new technologies and innovation related to your field of study
  • Interest in exploring advanced STEM workforce and graduate school opportunities
  • Prior fulfillment of program requirements (for previously funded IINSPIRE Scholars)

Eligibility requirements and other factors such as availability of funding are used to make final selection decisions.

Note Program Requirements

As an ISU IINSPIRE Scholar, you will be expected to:

  • Commit to a minimum number of hours per week of in-person research training on the ISU campus (typically 20 hours/week during the 8-week summer program and 10 hours/week during the academic year)
  • Learn about mentorship and engage with your research mentor(s)
  • Attend regularly scheduled IINSPIRE meetings and seminars (typically weekly during the summer and monthly during the academic year)
  • Meet with the ISU IINSPIRE Advisor (at least twice per term)
  • Contribute to a supportive environment for IINSPIRE Scholars
  • Participate in research training events organized by the ISU Undergraduate Research Office (depending on term and availability)
  • Create a research poster
  • Present your research poster at the IINSPIRE Alliance Annual Conference (during the summer, scholars will also present at the ISU IINSPIRE Summer Symposium) and consider other ISU, regional, and national presentation opportunities
  • Learn about graduate school and REU opportunities and how to apply to programs
  • Develop a portfolio of your IINSPIRE experience

More about the ISU IINSPIRE Student Experience

More about the Benefits of Being an IINSPIRE Scholar

Note Important Dates

  • Applications are accepted for summer and academic year terms.
  • April 15 annually for the summer program. Applications should be received no later than April 15 to ensure consideration. Earlier applications are encouraged, and applications will be reviewed as they are received. Offers will be made starting the first week of April and no later than May 15.
  • September 15 annually for the fall semester. Earlier applications are encouraged.
  • January 31 annually for the spring semester. Earlier applications are encouraged.

Prepare Application Documents

  • Applicants will need to provide information to confirm eligibility requirements.
  • Applicants will need to upload a resume with the application form (PDF file).
  • Applicants may identify a potential research mentor, laboratory, and/or project, and if so, applicants will need to provide this information and submit a project description with the application form.
  • Two short essays are required from all applicants. One essay is to describe a research area of interest. The research area will be used by the program to determine potential research mentors as needed. Another essay is to describe career interests and goals.
  • Previously funded IINSPIRE scholars will also be asked to provide information about their prior accomplishments as a scholar.
  • Applicants should download and use this worksheet for the essay questions: Scholar Application Essay Questions Worksheet

Submit an Application 

Apply for ISU IINSPIRE

Students selected as IINSPIRE Scholars will be paid a stipend during the term(s) in which they are participating in an undergraduate research experience. The amount of the stipend varies by term and level of participation. 

You may be contacted by email if information is missing from your application or more information is needed.

Questions

Please read all information carefully. If you have questions not addressed on this website, you are welcome to contact us.

ISU IINSPIRE has supported and has guided me to become what I am today! I am extremely grateful for being a part of the program.”

IINSPIRE Scholar

IINSPIRE RISE UP Application

The RISE UP Program – Research and Innovation in STEM Undergraduate Pathways – is a summer program for students from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and other IINSPIRE Alliance community colleges to participate in mentored research experiences in their field of study with faculty researchers at ISU. Eligible students join in the summer program with ISU students.

RISE UP Program

I joined the IINSPIRE program the minute I decided to transfer from DMACC to Iowa State because I knew it would connect me with professors doing cutting-edge research. Before taking classes at ISU, I got experience working with a professor during the summer. That support from the professor and her lab group really helped me quickly feel like a part of Iowa State.

IINSPIRE Scholar, RISE UP Program