Benefits
The Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program provides exciting opportunities to a select number of students.
Research Support Account
Students admitted as freshmen have access to up to $8,000 to support research-related activities as long as they are enrolled as full-time undergraduates at Cornell. Upperclass admitted students have access to $5,000. Students who plan and budget well can receive wages, purchase necessary research supplies, receive funding for at least one summer of research, as well as attend at least one academic conference .
Scholarship Awards
Rawlings Scholars with demonstrated financial need will receive a $4,000/year scholarship which increases total grant aid and reduces self-help aid such as loans, summer savings, or work.
Faculty Connections
As undergraduates, Rawlings Scholars are expected to participate in in-person research on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. Typically, this is accomplished with the guidance of a faculty mentor, either by participating in an on-going faculty research project or a student-led independent, faculty-approved project. Faculty mentors are crucial to the success of RCPRS.
RCPRS Colloquium
New students participate in the RCPRS Colloquium, which includes meetings with fellow students and faculty members. This year-long colloquium creates a sense of cohesion and belonging, helps students understand their RCPRS requirements, introduces the students to many Cornell resources, and helps them find a faculty mentor (if applicable).
RCPRS Mentorship Program
RCPRS’s Mentorship Program pairs the program’s newest students with upper-class scholars who have come to know Cornell—its challenges and its resources. Each ‘Big’ is paired with a ‘Little’ who has a similar research interest. The Mentorship program is overseen by the RCPRS Student Advisory Board with oversight from the Program Director.
RCPRS Grand Slam Research Competition
Each Spring, Rawlings Scholars, who are sophomores or above, are invited to participate in the RCPRS Grand Slam Research Competition. This competition is a unique arena for students to hone their research presentation skills and to compete for cash prizes. Each presenter has only three minutes and a single slide to showcase their research to the freshmen cohort and the panel of judges.
Summer Research Experiences
Students can develop summer internships to explore their research interests. While scholars can apply for funding for up to three summers of research, each scholar is expected to participate in at least one summer research experience.
Senior Expo
Seniors showcase their research in this capstone event, held every year in April. This event is an interdisciplinary academic poster session, where the graduating class has the opportunity to show off the research they have been a part of during their time in the program. A select number of students are also selected to give keynote talks on their research.
Student Advisory Board (SAB)
Rawlings Scholars can apply annually to be members of the Student Advisory Board, which advises staff on areas of interest for students, organizes social and professional development activities, coordinates the mentorship program, and publishes a weekly newsletter. SAB members also serve as ambassadors of the program.
RCRPS Newsletter
The program maintains a moderated listserv to keep students up to date on news and events. This includes new research opportunities at Cornell and beyond, RCPRS Student Advisory Board social and professional development events, Alumni Engagement events, and more.
Student-Alumni Networking
Various networking opportunities with fellow students and alumni occur throughout the year. These events are put on in collaboration with the RCPRS program and the Student Advisory Board.
Graduation Reception
All seniors who graduate in good standing in RCPRS are honored at an end-of-year reception. Families and faculty mentors are invited to join in the celebration, where students are introduced and honored.