College and University Funding Sources
While there is a variety of funding possibilities for undergraduates, they can be difficult to locate, given the complexity of Cornell. The list of sources and ideas below encompasses offices and information from across the university. It is comprehensive, but by no means exhaustive.
Fellowships*
Fellowships are endowments used to provide financial support to individuals pursuing advanced study or training. They can be for schooling, travel to certain countries, or projects within a given organization or group. See the Cornell University Fellowships Program for more information.
Financial Aid Office
This office has a plethora of outside scholarships and grants usually used for tuition purposes. They are available on a computer database (The College Fund Finder) in the lobby. Additional opportunities are posted on bulletin boards in 203 Day Hall.
CALS Research Funding
Several funding opportunities are available through the College. Access the web site for details, including proposal development and deadlines.
Research Honors Program
For undergraduates doing original research while at Cornell, the Research Honors Program will supply eligible students with up to $350. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an identified area of interest. Contact Don Viands in 155 Roberts Hall.
Hughes Undergraduate Research Opportunity
This is open to sophomores and juniors who are conducting biological science research on campus during the summer. Participants receive $2,500 and are expected to continue their research during the following academic year. The junior deadline falls in late January and the sophomore deadline in late February. Contact Laurel Southard in 216 Stimson Hall.
Libraries*
Olin Library provides a whole section on grants and scholarships. It is extensive and helpful. Contact the reference desk librarian. Mann Library reference can also help. In the "L" section there are some great resources such as: Free Money for College from the Government, and Foundation Grants for Individuals.
Minority Research
Research funding is available to underrepresented minority students in CALS for the academic year and summer to encourage faculty-student relationships. Average funding is $500. Contact Don Viands in 140 Roberts Hall for an application or print it from the web.
Office of Academic Programs*
This office lists graduate and undergraduate research grants available to Cornell students. The web site provides details of funding eligibility, and proposal deadlines. Contact Don Viands at 607-255-3081 if you need more information.
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society*
This society provides grants to undergraduate and graduate research projects in any field. It offers general research funding, especially travel and equipment expenses. You can apply to both the Cornell chapter and the national headquarters for funding.
This office subsidizes wages for students with work-study during the academic year and during the summer. The "Develop Your Own Internship Program" provides summer subsidy for students with work-study. "Students Helping Students" provides summer wage subsidy for nonwork-study students. Funding is available until money runs out, so apply early. Call 607-255-9051 for more information; or visit the office in 203 Day Hall.
Networking will be your best tool. No single source, including this one, will identify all the possible options. People are the best source. Contact as many individuals in as many different environments as possible. Ask for ideas and leads and pursue each one. The CALS Career Development Office can provide you with helpful information sheets on the networking process. You may also want to check their list of Faculty and Staff Career Representatives. These are people in the academic departments of the College who serve as official liaisons with the Career Development Office. They can be a great starting point for your networking.
*These offices and programs include graduate study and research. Also check the Graduate School Fellowships and Financial Aid Office in 143 Caldwell Hall.