Pioneer Scholars Program
The Pioneer Scholars Summer Research Program offers undergraduate students the
opportunity to engage in collaborative, hands-on research alongside faculty mentors
across a wide range of disciplines. Designed to foster intellectual curiosity and
academic growth, the program provides summer funding for student-faculty teams to
pursue an immersive experience in the methods, challenges, and rewards of original
research or creative projects.
Since the program’s inception in 2007 almost 200 Carroll students have been awarded
Pioneer Scholars grants. The Grants provide a summer stipend of $3,000 to the student
and $1,500 to the faculty mentor. The grant also provides a $500 budget for supplies
and materials to be used during the summer.
Interested and motivated students spend a summer working closely with faculty to design
and carry out a student led project. Pioneer Scholars gain valuable skills and knowledge
in their discipline while producing a product of their own design. Pioneer Scholars
present their work at the spring Ethos and Excellence Conference, our annual campus
wide showcase for academic achievement.
By pairing motivated students with dedicated faculty scholars, the program strengthens
Carroll’s culture of inquiry and encourages meaningful connections that often extend
beyond the summer. Whether exploring laboratory experiments, archival discoveries,
creative projects, or fieldwork, participants leave the experience with enhanced confidence,
deeper knowledge, and a clearer vision of their future academic and professional goals.
Applications are open to undergraduate students in all disciplines. Past award winners
have come from virtually every program on campus. Applications are due in early March.
Winners are notified in April. Projects begin in May and are expected to be completed
by September. Check campus notices for specific dates.
Program Details
View the Scholars Archive
