Pioneer Scholars Program

The goal of Carroll University's Pioneer Scholars Program is to provide undergraduate students in any discipline with an opportunity to engage in an intensive scholarly/creative project one-on-one with a faculty member during the summer months. 

Each student awarded a Pioneer Scholars stipend will participate in the scholarly/creative project instead of full-time employment during the summer due to the demands of the program.

  • Pioneer Scholars cannot hold a Carroll University job outside of the Pioneer Scholar position during the summer.
  • The stipend is considered taxable income.
  • On-campus housing is available.
  • On-campus food plans are not available.
  • The student/faculty team should develop a project of interest to both.
  • Students will receive a stipend of $3,000, plus an opportunity to receive funds for research supplies and/or other project expenses.
  • Faculty will receive a stipend of $1,500. Note that each faculty member can submit proposals with no more than two students.

It is permissible for two students to submit one proposal as a team. The proposal should explain how such a group project is consistent with disciplinary norms as well as how each student's contribution is unique and is equivalent to one pioneer scholars project. If accepted, each student will receive a $3,000 stipend. The faculty member will receive one stipend. Each student should complete an application.

In order to afford faculty campus wide the opportunity of the Pioneer Scholars program, Faculty mentors may participate in the Pioneer Scholars program for no more than two consecutive summers. In addition, if a faculty mentor submits multiple distinct proposals, only one can be awarded.

Program Details

STUNNING SURREALIST IMAGES CREATED THROUGH PIONEER SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Pioneer Allison Calteux created a project titled "Nightmares and Daydreams: A Study of Surrealist Photography and its Application to Portraiture"

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  • Episode 35. Pio Scholar Research Project | Prof. Mike Mortensen
    • In this episode we’re talking to Professor Mike Mortenson and students Jenna Bales and Alex Navin about their Pioneer Scholar research project, which involved capturing drone footage and measurements of North Lake. Professor Mortenson is from Carroll's graphic design program, and he wanted to bring the idea of drone education to Carroll. What started as an idea within graphic design soon grew into a true multidisciplinary study involving aviation sciences, chemistry, environmental sciences, business, and more!
  • Episode 15. Zombie Oklahoma- A Classic Re-imagined
    • This week I'm talking with PioScholars Julia Brooks, Brad Weller and Phillip Steenbekkers along with their Faculty mentor Dr. Joel Matthys about their summer project: "Zombie Oklahoma- A Classic Re-imagined". This is an interview you won't want to miss! These students are pulling apart Oklahoma, the classic musical, and infusing it with social commentary and of course, zombies.

View the Scholars

Learn more about the Application Process

Panoramic View of campus