Eligible Early Exploration Scholars must meet all of the following criteria: Undergraduate students who are completing their first 60 credits​ at the University of Utah and their first bachelors degree. Transfer, AP/IB, and CLEP credits are excluded when calculating first 60 credits completed at the University.

Populations highly encouraged to apply:​ underrepresented students in their fields of interest and Pell grant eligible students (low-income)​.

Students may not participate in the Early Exploration Scholars Program more than once. Please note that no previous college coursework or previous research experience is required.

Undergraduate recipients of the Early Exploration Scholarship are expected to complete the following during the semester they are awarded:

• • Attend an orientation at the start of the semester. Details will be provided to scholarship recipients.
  • Attend one OUR Research Tour. Details will be provided to scholarship recipients.
  • Attend a minimum of 2 undergraduate research education series (URES) events during the semester you receive the scholarship. Required education series events: mentor panels (details will be sent to students at the start of the semester). Fill out URES evaluation form as verification of attendance. ​
  • Meet with at least one prospective faculty research mentor at the University of Utah.​
  • Submit the end-of-semester form, which is provided to scholars at the end of the semester.

Unsuccessful completion of all program requirements may disqualify you from being awarded other OUR funded opportunities.

There are several benefits to being an Early Exploration Scholar:

• • Learn about  research opportunities and prospective faculty mentors at the University of Utah.
  • Grow research interest early on, beyond opportunities found in curriculum/required courses.
  • Cohort opportunities every fall and spring semester.
  • Experience mentoring from peers (Undergraduate Research Leaders).
  • Receive a $500 need-based scholarship

Faculty mentors also benefit from connecting with Early Exploration Scholars. By connecting with scholars, faculty will be able to:

• • Connect with and recruit prospective researchers earlier in their academic journey.
  • Fund prospective researchers earlier with additional scholarship resources for your students.
  • Meet with prospective researchers; interactions may be no more than 15 minutes of your time if that is all you have.
  • Support a culture of early interest in research through a university-wide program.

Students participating in OUR programs, including the Early Exploration Scholars Program, will have activities wrapped around them to foster their success, create an intellectual community, and strengthen their network.

Can I receive the EESP scholarship more than once? No, students can only receive the scholarship once.

What happens if the prospective faculty mentor never responds to my outreach attempts? Am I disqualified for future OUR funded opportunities? Students are encouraged to reach out to multiple prospective mentors.

Who do I contact if I have questions? Email our@utah.edu.