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The College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics’ Summer Scholars Program provides students a rich opportunity to conduct research while working closely with a faculty researcher. This 10-week program provides students with an intensive research experience along with seminars and training for enrichment.
Applications Closed
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed.
Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements
Students who anticipate graduating in May 2026 must apply for an undergraduate position if not accepted into a CSUSM graduate program for Fall 2026. Both part-time positions (20 hours per week) and full-time positions (40 hours per week) are available. Part-time scholars receive $3650 for the summer and full-time scholars receive $7300.
- Be an undergraduate student at CSU San Marcos or a student at a local community college.
- Prior to applying, you must have a faculty mentor commit to training you if you are accepted to the program.
- International student participants are required to have a U.S. bank account and a U.S. mailing address to receive their grant.
Graduate Student Mentor Requirements
To enroll as a Summer Scholars Graduate Student Mentor, you must be accepted into a graduate program for Fall 2026. The role is a part-time position, 20 hours per week. If offered and accepted, mentors receive $5,000 for the summer.
- Perform your graduate student research (approximately 16 hr/wk).
- Provide mentorship to Summer Scholar undergraduate students, both
during & outside of the program, if necessary (approximately 1 hr/wk).
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Provide guidance to undergraduate students working in your research group (approximately 1 hr/wk).
- Attend and help with the activities planned throughout the summer (approximately 2 hr/wk).
Participation Expectations
You will be expected to fully participate in all of the following in-person events:
- A kick-off meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 12-1:30pm.
- Undergraduates Only: Work on your research project approximately 40 hours per week. Some projects will be performed on campus in research labs, while others may be virtual in nature. Your research mentor will discuss this with you.
- Weekly Summer Scholars events and activities on Wednesdays from 12:00pm-1:30pm on campus. A schedule of events will be sent in the next few weeks, but plan on blocking this time off throughout the summer.
- A research poster presentation at the Summer Scholars Showcase on Friday, August 7, 9am-2pm.
- Mandatory surveys on your experience and growth during the program and career progress in future years.
Previous Program Highlights
Summer Scholars Project Fuses Engineering With Neuroscience
As part of the long-running Summer Scholars Program, three students in Dr. Khoubrouy’s lab learned about the electroencephalogram (EEG)
cap. From there, they earned how to interpret EEG signals and the type of software employed to process them.
When they return for the fall semester, these students will split into teams and continue
the project as part of their capstones, culminating in a final project for the Research
& Design Day held on May 1, 2026.
Student Testimonials
Summer Scholars Alumni
Sponsors
The Summer Scholars Program is generously supported by:
