GSAS-Leadership Alliance Summer Research Program
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences hosts the eight- to ten-week Summer Research Program (SRP) for undergraduates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. Participants conduct graduate-level research under the supervision of a Columbia faculty mentor, approximating the graduate experience through exposure to the mentor/advisee relationship, scholarly research opportunities, and independent living.
The aim of the program is to foster a deeper knowledge of the field in question, to hone skills that are necessary for success in doctoral study, and to encourage students to pursue academic careers. SRP does not offer preparation for the professional schools (e.g., business, education, engineering, journalism, medical, law, and social work).
The Summer Research Program began at Columbia in 1989 and is hosted in conjunction with The Leadership Alliance, a consortium of thirty-two institutions of higher learning that has a mission to “develop underrepresented students develop into outstanding leaders and role models in academia, business, and the public sector.”
“SRP is important because it provides promising undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds with real exposure to the world of research and academia. Participation in the program demystifies the research process, opens their minds to new horizons of knowledge, and prepares them for the challenges of graduate school. SRP nurtures their intellectual interests and provides a structure to help them succeed in the pursuit of academia because it connects them with faculty who take an interest in their research and their success.”
—Van C. Tran (2017 Faculty Mentor)