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George Mason University

RISE Scholars Program

A Bridge to Undergraduate Research for Transfer Students

The 2025 RISE Scholars application has closed.  Pending continued funding from our National Science Foundation grant, it is anticipated that the application for the 2026 RISE Scholars cohort will open in October 2025.  

  • Are you a STEM student who transferred from another college (including dual enrolled students) and have limited undergraduate research experience?
  • Are you seeking an intensive, yet flexible summer research experience (giving you time to balance summer classes, work and/or travel)?

The Research & Interdisciplinary STEM Experiences (RISE) Scholars Program can be your on-ramp to Mason's research community.

Through RISE, you will have the chance to:

  • Receive Financial Support: Eligible students will earn a $1,000 stipend in the spring and a $5,000 stipend to support your summer research, helping you focus on your academic and research goals.*
  • Build Research Skills in COS 300: Gain practical, hands-on experience through our required course, COS 300 - a Mason Impact research-intensive course that equips you with essential skills and methodologies for future research success.
  • Design Your Own Research Project: Turn your ideas into action with guidance from George Mason’s renowned faculty and access to state-of-the-art resources.
  • Receive Tailored Support: Access one-on-one and group mentorship to shape your research vision and achieve your project goals.
  • Develop Essential Skills: Engage in skill-building to prepare you for success in graduate school, health professions training, or your career.
  • Join a Community of Scholars: Connect with other transfer students who share your passion for discovery and innovation.

Student Qualifications:

  • Priority selection for students who transferred from a community college to Mason, followed by transfers from four-year universities.
  • Remaining slots will be filled by upper-level undergraduates with no prior research experience. 
  • RISE research project should be in STEM or a related field (health, social or behavioral science, STEM education, etc.).
  • Mason (or prior college, if a first semester student) GPA of 2.75+ at the end of Fall.
  • Must enroll in COS 300 (3 credits, hybrid) in Spring 2025: 3 credit, research-intensive course (asynchronous online).
  • Must be available @30 hours per week over the full Summer A session to run your research project.
  • NSF-funded participants must be US Citizens or permanent residents.

Questions about the RISE Scholars Program? Contact Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon at khilkerb@gmu.edu