02/13/2024
By Matthew Hurwitz

As part of the university's ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our first-generation students in River Hawks Scholars Academy (RHSA), we are excited to launch the Roads to Research program for summer 2024 and for the 2024-25 academic year. This program presents a valuable opportunity for faculty members to engage with our RHSA students and offer them a meaningful research experience.

About the Roads to Research Program

The Roads to Research program is designed to introduce RHSA students to the world of research. It offers 20 total scholarships, each valued at $2,500, to students who work with UMass Lowell's faculty members on research projects. To receive the scholarship, students commit to 150 hours of research either

  • over a 15-week period in the summer (May-August), averaging around 10 hours per week, or
  • over the course of the full academic year (September-May), averaging around 5 hours per week. For the Summer, students commit to 150 hours of research over a 15-week period (Summer only), averaging around 10 hours per week.

Eligibility and Application Process

All RHSA students who are sophomores and above, regardless of their major, are eligible to apply for the Roads to Research program. However, the job descriptions, responsibilities and eligibility criteria for each position are determined by the faculty, providing you with the flexibility to define the research experience you seek.

How It Works

Interested students will apply to the program, and RHSA will share the applicants' information with selected faculty members. Faculty members then can conduct interviews and extend offers to their preferred candidates. The program is expected to commence in the first week of the semester (right after graduation for summer positions or at the start of the academic year otherwise), with scheduling arrangements to be determined collaboratively by the faculty and students.

Support and Coordination

Throughout the program, regular check-ins will be conducted between the students, faculty members, and RHSA staff. These check-ins aim to ensure a supportive and productive experience for both students and organizations. A timesheet system is in place to accurately track the hours worked, with both the student and their supervisor responsible for recording and reporting the student's hours.

We believe your expertise and mentorship would significantly enrich the educational journey of our RHSA students. If you are interested in participating in the Roads to Research program for Summer/Fall 2024 and are open to mentoring students in your research projects, please fill out the Roads to Research Faculty Application Form clearly indicating which period (Summer/Fall/both) you are interested in no later than Friday, March 1. We recommend reviewing the questions prior to filling out so that you are prepared to respond in full. Your involvement is not only a chance to offer valuable research experiences but also nurture our first-generation college students' academic and professional growth.

Thank you for your dedication to our students and the RHSA program. We eagerly anticipate your involvement in the Roads to Research program and the positive impact it will have on our students' educational journeys. Specific questions can be directed to RHSA Graduate Assistant Varsha Goliala or  RHSA Faculty Director Matt Hurwitz.