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.
Before Applying
- Check Eligibility Requirements
- Note Program Requirements and Important Dates
- Prepare Application Documents
- Submit an Application
Check Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for RISE UP, you must be:
- An enrolled DMACC student with coursework in a STEM discipline (check eligible majors)
- A US citizen or permanent resident
- Cumulative GPA of 2.7 and higher, and GPA of 3.0 and higher in major (preferred)
- Willing to commute to ISU during the program
Scholars may apply to receive funding from ISU IINSPIRE after transferring to ISU.
As an applicant, you must also demonstrate:
- Commitment to program requirements
- Interest in new technologies and innovation related to your field of study
- Interest in transferring into a STEM bachelor's degree program
- Interest in exploring advanced STEM workforce and graduate school opportunities
Eligibility requirements and other factors such as availability of funding are used to make final selection decisions.
Note Program Requirements
As RISE UP participant, 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)
- Learn about mentorship and engage with your research mentor(s)
- Attend regularly scheduled IINSPIRE meetings and seminars (typically weekly during the summer)
- Meet with program coordinators
- Contribute to a supportive environment for IINSPIRE Scholars
- Participate in research training events organized by the ISU Undergraduate Research Office (depending on 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 regional and national presentation opportunities
- Learn about graduate school and REU opportunities and how to apply to programs
Note Important Dates
Applications are due April 15 for the RISE UP summer program. This is a target date to ensure consideration. Earlier applications are encouraged and will be reviewed as they are received. Offers will be made starting in April and no later than May 15.
Prepare Application Documents
- Applicants will need to upload a resume with the application form.
- All applicants will need to provide information to confirm eligibility requirements and describe a research area of interest. The research area will be used by the program to determine potential research mentors.
- Applicants may identify a potential research mentor, laboratory, and/or project, and if so, applicants will need to provide this information and upload a project description with the application form.
Submit an Application
Students selected as RISE UP participants will be paid a stipend during the summer in which they are participating in an undergraduate research experience.
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.
Nancy Woods DMACC IINSPIRE Campus Director Email: nawoods@dmacc.edu |
Sunday Tim ISU IINSPIRE Campus Director Email: tim@iastate.edu |