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RCPRS Funding Options

Overview of Available RCPRS Funding Options for Experiential Opportunities

Below is a brief summary of the research funding available to Rawlings Scholars. For full details on all funding options, please visit our Benefits page. 

  • Research Support Account (RSA): Total RSA funding is available based on your time in the program:
    • Students admitted as freshmen have access to up to $8,000.
    • Students admitted as upperclassmen have access to $5,000.
    • Funds can be used for:
      • Summer living expenses of up to $3500 to support research participation in full-time experiences (6-8+ weeks or 280 hours). Pro-rated funding is available for shorter opportunities.
      • Conference attendance, if presenting research.
      • Hourly wages for research work.

With careful planning, students can typically:

  • Receive a summer living grant for at least one research experience
  • Attend at least one academic or professional conference
  • Research Project Supplies:
    • Funding for research-related expenses during the fall and spring semesters, including supplies, participant compensation for research studies, or the use of specialized equipment.
  • Earn wages for time spent conducting research:
    • Freshmen RCPRS students may spend a maximum of $4,000 over the course of their time in the program.
    • Upper-class selected Juniors may spend a maximum of $2,500.
  • CCO Empowerment Funds: Transportation costs associated with volunteering at organizations within the local/Ithaca community (limited to $200/semester), non-program-specific conferences, or values-aligned experiences. 

Note: Pre-approval is required for all funding.  A post-experience write-up is required after any funded experience.

Research Support Account

Eligibility

  • Must be a full-time undergraduate in good standing with the RCPRS program.
  • Freshmen are not eligible to use funds during the summer after their first year but can apply for winter and/or spring break opportunities, and research supplies. 

Funding Timelines and Usage

  • Full-Time Research: Summer only
  • Research Experiences: Winter, spring, or summer break
  • Covered costs include: Housing, transportation, food, utilities, visas, immunizations, and limited misc. expenses. 

Application Deadlines

  • Winter Break: December 15
  • Spring Break: March 1
  • Summer: May 30

Before Applying

Students must:

  • Complete the Support Account Information Canvas Course. Students are not required to complete this course before applying for conference funding, research for wages, or requesting funds for research supplies.
  • Speak with the program director (recommended)
  • Secure a confirmed experience (not based on a potential opportunity)
  • Prepare the following:
    • Location, dates, and supervisor contact (email required for endorsement form)
      • If doing research on-campus you are required to obtain an endorsement from your faculty mentor
      • If doing research off-campus-you must obtain endorsements from BOTH your current faculty mentor and the Supervisor of your off-campus research experience
    • Full budget (housing, food, travel, etc.)
    • Health insurance verification (especially for international sites)
    • Visa and immunization information (if applicable)

Submitting the Application

After Submission

  • Students are responsible for endorsement follow-up (completed by the experience supervisor(s))
  • Students can track the application in the system
  • The program director will inform the student of the application decision
  • Approval is at the program director’s discretion
  • A post-experience application is due within 2 weeks of completion of the internship/experience

CCO Empowerment Funds

For experiences not fully aligned with your program’s funding guidelines but still embodying leadership, service, or research:

  • Examples:
    • Local volunteer transportation (up to $200/semester)
    • Conferences outside your program’s scope
    • Service or leadership events not covered by the Support Account

Submitting the Application

Research Project Funding

Students may apply for up to $500/semester to support research related expenses.

Receiving Funds

Research for Wages

  • You cannot begin any research or work tasks until your official start date, as listed in your onboarding documents or offer letter.
  • RCPRS will not fund wages for work completed before your official start date.
  • The Research for Wages form is not considered an official onboarding document or offer letter.
  • Official hiring documents are found on Cornell’s Workday system: https://hr.cornell.edu/
  • For wage-related questions, please contact Alec Brown.

How to Apply for Wages

Important Notes

  • Funding may affect financial aid, work-study, or federal loan eligibility.
  • Cornell may report funding to the IRS.
  • For tax questions, consult your tax preparer/advisor.
  • For financial aid inquiries, contact finaid@cornell.edu.

 Start your Application

FAQS:

Are freshmen eligible to use funding for summer research between their freshmen and sophomore year?

No. However, freshmen may apply for funding for winter or spring breaks, or research supplies during their first year.

Can I use my support account funding for conferences?

Students who are presenting their research may apply for up to $1,500 in conference funding (conference fees, travel, food). Please reach out to RCPRS staff to discuss conference plans.

Can I use my support account funding for credit-bearing experiences?

RCPRS does not typically fund credit-bearing research experiences. If you have specific question related to a credit-bearing research experience, please contact RCPRS staff.

What if I’m Traveling Internationally?

An ITART petition is required for travel to destinations considered to be elevated risk destinations, which will be automatically trigger an International Travel Advisory Response Team (ITART) petition process. Applicants will be instructed to go to travelregistry.cornell.edu to enter international travel information. Students are responsible for understanding and following complex border restrictions and entry and re-entry requirements. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged.

Contact Information
Contact Alec Brown at ab2777@cornell.edu before making purchases or committing funds. Funds are limited and not guaranteed. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.