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.

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

• Submit the pre-survey.
• Attend an orientation at the start of the semester.
• Attend at least one OUR Research Tour.
• Attend a minimum of one Undergraduate Research Education Series (URES) event.
  • Fill out URES evaluation form as verification of attendance. ​
• Meet with the Early Exploration Scholars Program Coordinator, Sara Cody, in a Research Advising appointment.
• Submit the end-of-semester post-survey form.

Unsuccessful completion of all program expectations 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 to enjoy.
• Experience mentoring from peers (Undergraduate Research Leaders).
• Receive a $250 scholarship (priority given to need-based students).

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.