Summer Student Fellowship Program Information

Join us in congratulating our 2025 Summer Student Fellows and their Faculty Mentors!

This student-focused program provides an opportunity for students to engage in summer research and creative experiences in a wide range of disciplines. As a designated AACU High Impact Practice, student research helps students "challenge prior assumptions, make empirical observations, use cutting-edge technologies, and create a sense of excitement that comes from working to answer important questions". (See: https://www.aacu.org/trending-topics/high-impact)

The Summer Fellows program provides funds for a student to work collaboratively with a faculty member on a project in any discipline. For example, prior projects were conducted in the arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM and health sciences (such as math, physics, geography, chemistry, computer/data science, engineering, environmental biology, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, public health). Student fellows work full time on a project with a faculty mentor over a 10-week period during the summer.  Applications for the 2026 Summer program will become available in Janaury. 

Program Highlights

• Student will receive $5,400 for the 10-week period. Free on-campus summer housing options are available (double occupancy rooms, see summer rates).
• Student must be in good academic standing and meet Ferris State's summer hiring eligibility requirements. During summer, students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits OR be registered for 6 or more credits for the upcoming fall. International students may work up to 40 hours per week if they are registered for a minimum of 6 credit hours for summer OR 12 credit hours in the fall semester.
• Student fellow is required to attend 2 group meetings in the summer (organized by ORSP) and present their results at the Symposium via a brief podium and poster presentation.
• Award must be used to support a research or creative work product carried out entirely by the student.
• Up to $500 may be requested by faculty to cover project-related expenses.
• Faculty Mentor must be available to supervise the work for the entire 10-week period and must have an appointment (or anticipated appointment) for the following Fall Semester.
• Faculty Mentor may not submit more than 1 application per cycle

Check out our fellowship informational video and learn more about this student-focused program and how a student can work full-time during the summer months with a faculty member on a research or creative project!