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Student & Campus Life

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 first years 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.
      • Research related travel, if presenting research at an academic conference or for data collection.
      • Hourly wages for research work.
      • Research supplies, up to $500 per semester.

With careful planning, students can typically:

  • Receive summer funding for at least one research experience
  • Attend at least one academic conference
  • Purchase needed research 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
    • First year 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.

**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.
  • First year students are not eligible to use funds during the summer after their first year but can apply for winter and/or spring break funding. 

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:

  • Schedule a meeting with the Program Director 
  • Secure a confirmed experience (not based on a potential opportunity)
  • Prepare the following:
    • Location, dates, and supervisor contact information (email address is required for the 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 the supervisor of your off-campus research experience.
    • Full budget (housing, food, travel, etc.)
    • Health insurance verification (especially for international sites)
    • If traveling internationally ensure you have the following:

Submitting the Application

After Submission

  • Students can track the application in the application portal.
  • The RCPRS Program Director will inform the student of the application decision.
  • Approval is at the Program Director’s discretion. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

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 the RCPRS Program Director at rcprs@cornell.edu or (607) 255-6678.

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.

FAQS:

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

No. However, first years 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 questions related to a credit-bearing research experience, please contact RCPRS staff.

How do I get approval to travel internationally?

An ITART petition is required for all RCPRS funded international travel. You will also be required to complete the Pre-departure Canvas course. Students are responsible for understanding and following complex border restrictions and entry and re-entry requirements. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged.

Contact Information
Contact the RCPRS Program Director at rcprs@cornell.edu before making purchases or committing funds. Funds are limited and not guaranteed. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.