Dates: June 1 - July 24, 2026
The Illinois Summer Research Program (ISRP) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to explore careers in academic research while learning about graduate education and the graduate school application process.
Since 1986, the Graduate College has welcomed talented undergraduate students from across the US and its territories to campus for an intensive introduction to graduate study, research, and the admission process. Through ISRP, participants build meaningful connections with University of Illinois faculty, learn the culture of graduate school, and interact with graduate students with similar interests.
Benefits
You will receive valuable graduate school information and a variety of other benefits in addition to the many experiences that support your pursuit of graduate study.
Academic Benefits
- Participants prepare for meaningful engagement in research activities by participating in the Research Essentials Workshops during orientation.
- Participants are matched with a Faculty Mentor whose discipline or research area aligns with their interests. Mentors guide students through their summer research project.
- Students may earn up to three hours of independent study credit, transferable to their home institution.
- Participants attend a Research Writing Seminar focused on writing and publishing academic papers.
- All ISRP participants present their work at the Illinois Summer Research Symposium (ISRS) in mid-July, alongside students from other Illinois summer research programs.
- Students receive full access to the University of Illinois Library, one of the largest public academic libraries in the United States.
Collegial Experiences
- ISRP includes a variety of structured activities designed to help students build academic and professional networks. Participants engage with faculty, staff, and peers throughout the program.
- Students are given an opportunity to exchange ideas and broaden their knowledge and perception of their discipline through research team participation. Students join a research team of approximately 10 ISRP participants from similar majors. Led by a current graduate student (Research Team Leader), these teams meet regularly to discuss research projects, exchange ideas, and build community.
Financial Benefits
- Selected students receive a stipend of up to $4,000, room and board, and travel expenses to and from the summer program.
- Books, supplies, and materials needed for workshops, writing courses, and team meetings are provided.
- Participants receive an Illinois i-card, which grants access to computer labs, recreation facilities, healthcare services, libraries, printing services, campus dining, and the campus shuttles. More information is available at the i-card site.
Who Should Apply
ISRP is open to undergraduate students from the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Students who previously participated in the Summer Exploration Program are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should be:
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or approved domestic applicants
- Students who have completed four or more semesters of full-time coursework
- Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale)
How to Apply
Complete the online application by Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Students from institutions outside CCC who are seeking summer research opportunities may explore opportunities through one of our partner programs:
- AREES (Alliance for Research Enterprise Excellence in STEM)
- MATRIX-UNI (MMLI Advancing Talent and Research through Interdisciplinary EXcellence in AI and Chemistry)
- POETS (Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems)
- REACH (Research & Education for the Advancement of Compassionate Healthcare)
- REMAT (Regenerative Energy-Efficient Manufacturing of Thermoset Polymeric Materials)
Application Deadline
The ISRP Application is now open. Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by February 17, 2026 for full consideration. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions may be emailed to GradDiversity@illinois.edu. Please include your name and undergraduate institution with each message.