First-Generation Emerging Scholars
(Undergraduate Research Fellowship)

You First at VCU funds undergraduate research fellowship awards for research projects mentored by VCU faculty focused on diversity, underrepresented perspectives, student success barriers (social, academic, and financial), new approaches and innovations to enhancing student success, faculty engagement, and teaching/learning approaches. 

The VCU Undergraduate Research Fellows program coordinates the application process for undergraduates and faculty mentors to conduct collaborative research projects during the summer and upcoming academic year.

Successful proposals must discuss how the project will increase the student researcher’s knowledge, skills and experience while simultaneously attempting to enhance our understanding of first-generation students' experience and the factors that influence first generation students' academic success.

Student applicants should establish a partnership with their faculty mentor before applying. Each fellowship award includes $1500 in funding for the student and $500 for the faculty mentor. Faculty who wish to recruit interested student mentees are welcome to contact urop@vcu.edu for assistance.The Undergraduate Fellowships for You First at VCU: First-Generation Emerging Scholars is open to full-time undergraduates with at least one full academic year left to complete before graduation, and whose research in any discipline(s) aligns with the focus areas mentioned above.