Ivy Tech Research Scholars Program

The Ivy Tech Community College Research Scholars program is an immersive research experience for Ivy Tech students pursuing careers in STEM.

Practical Experience in the Field of Translational Research

This program is like a full-time job. We encourage participants to limit classes and other work obligations during the eight-week period.

How to Apply

For 2026, the program will run June 2 – August 11 (10 weeks).

Applications will open October 1 with a rolling deadline. December 1 will serve as the early review deadline, but applications will be accepted through March 1.

Applicants must submit the following application materials:

  • A completed application form
  • A letter of support from a faculty or staff member at Ivy Tech
    • The letter of support should address why the faculty or staff member feels you would be a good fit for the program.
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Is This Program Right for Me?

Are you interested in learning about:

If so, this program offers the chance to explore these areas while building valuable experience and connections.

For 2026, the program will run June 2 – August 11 (10 weeks).

Applications open October 1 with a rolling deadline. December 1 will serve as the early review deadline, but applications will be accepted through March 1.

Participants will:

  • Gain real-world, paid research experience in biomedical and life sciences.
  • Earn a $5,000 stipend, and if needed, receive a laptop to support research activities.
  • Build lasting faculty and peer connections at IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame.
  • Strengthen their resume, academic opportunities, and career path.
  • Present their research and experiences at local and statewide showcases.
  • Work alongside research teams and access campus resources.

Students enrolled at an Ivy Tech campus within 30 miles of Bloomington, Evansville, Indianapolis, West Lafayette, or South Bend, and who have completed at least one semester of classes at the time of application, are eligible to apply.

  • Students must be 18 years of age by the program start date.
  • Students must remain enrolled at Ivy Tech during the duration of the program. Individuals who transfer to another university may be allowed to continue on a case-by-case basis.

Please note, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply.

Participants are expected to:

  • Complete all hiring paperwork within a timely fashion
  • Engage in activities with the assigned research laboratory
  • Complete all safety and training requirements for the research lab as directed
  • Communicate with program and research lab mentor/designee on a frequent basis
  • Attend program meetings with directors and fellow scholars throughout the course of the program
  • Participate in program evaluations throughout and at the end of the program

Application Review Process

Completed applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of Indiana CTSI and Ivy Tech faculty and staff. Reviewers will score each application question on a scale of 1-5 based on a set rubric. Two additional criteria will also be considered – completeness and overall impression.

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Why did you choose to apply to this program?Unclear how the program will fit with goals or will help the student explore options.Makes some connections between program and goals or how it will be used to explore options.Makes clear connections between programs and goals or how it will be used to explore options.
Is there a specific health problem you would like to learn about or help address?No specific examples of a field/topic.Some description of interest in a field but without specific rationaleClear example of a field of interest with supporting information.
What personal/technical skills will you bring that you think will enhance the immersive research experience?No specific examples given, or unclear or vague connections between transferable skills and experiences to date and how those might fit with an internship.At least one specific example and some detail and connections between transferable skills and experiences to date and how those might fit with an internship.At least two examples of clearly identified and transferable skills and experiences gained to date and how those fit with an internship.
What are your career aspirations and how do you think this program can help you achieve them?Does not express interest in transfer enrollment, a specific career path, or interest in exploring career options through the program. No connection between program and goals.Some interest in transfer enrollment, a career path, and/or still exploring options. Unclear connection between program, goals, and exploration of careers.Strong interest in transfer enrollment or a particular career path and/or has identified some option(s) to explore in depth. Clear connections between program, goals, and exploration of career options.
How have your lived experiences contributed to your interest in the program?No specific examples given.At least one specific example but details not clearly presented linking to the program.Clear connection between a past experience and the program.
What else do you plan to do during the time at Ivy Tech to help explore career options and gain transferrable skills? Why are those activities on your radar?No specific examples given, or unclear or no plans for other experiences and exploration.At least one specific example of other opportunities for exploration or gaining experience. Vague plan or unable to specify next steps.At least two specific examples and includes how other experiences fit into the bigger plans, exploration of options, and/or next career steps.
CompletenessResponses very brief.Goes into some detail, could give more.Thoughtfully considered responses to questions.
Overall ImpressionAppears to have put minimal effort or didn’t put much thought into the application.Some effort visible, seems to have an idea of what they want to do but may not always be able to articulate.Appears to have spent time preparing the application and responses. Has clearly considered goals, plans, how this program helps.

Related Services & Resources

Contact

  • Jalysa King, MA
    Program Manager
    Email