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CV PATH

The CV PATH Research Experience is a collaborative summer research opportunity for students from Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield to conduct faculty-mentored research.

Application for Summer 2026 is open January 20th, 2026 - February 17th, 2026

Apply here

Interested in more information? Attend one of the informational sessions listed below. Please register using the form here no later than one (1) hour prior to the session.
The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session.

  • Wednesday, January 21st, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
  • Friday, January 23rd, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 29th, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
  • Friday, January 30th, 2026, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, February 4th, 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm
  • Friday, February 6th, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, February 11th, 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm
  • Friday, February 13th, 10:00 am- 11:00 am

More questions? Email Horacio Aguilar HoracioAguilar@ucmerced.edu.

 

PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

UCM Program Dates: May 31st, 2026 - July 31st, 2026

  • 9-week paid residential summer research experience
  • Research available to students in all disciplines at UC Merced
  • Fully paid residential program at UC Merced (housing and meal plan)
  • Faculty networking and mentorship
  • Professional development workshops
  • Participation in a fall research symposium to present research

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Enrolled student at Bakersfield College or CSU Bakersfield
  • Completed at least 12 units
  • Be in good academic standing with your college; 3.0 GPA or higher is preferred.
    • Actively pursuing a transfer path at BC or interested in graduate/professional school after graduation from CSUB 
  • Completed or currently taking transfer-level English and Math
  • Be a US citizen or a student who can have legal working status in the US is eligible, as we will be hiring CV PATH students to pay them

*High school dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment students are not eligible

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Completion of online application (see short essay prompts below)
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
  • One letter of recommendation or recommendation form
  • Resume

Short essay prompts:

CSU Bakersfield & Bakersfield College Students: 

  • Describe an educational opportunity you have taken advantage of and explain why it was meaningful to you. This opportunity could be a class, a program, a job, a project, a leadership role, a workshop, or another learning experience. Focus on what you learned and how it influenced your academic or career thinking. 

  • Describe a challenge or barrier you have faced in your education and how you responded to it. Barriers may include academic preparation, finances, time constraints, family responsibilities, confidence, access to information, or other factors. You do not need to have fully resolved the challenge, focus on what you learned from the experience.

Bakersfield College Students:

  • Please explain why you are interested in participating in CV PATH at UC Merced. In your response, describe how this experience could support your goals as you prepare to transfer to a four-year institution, explore research, and clarify your academic or career interests. If relevant, you may also share factors that make participating in a summer research experience especially important for you at this stage. 

  • Please discuss why you are interested in CV PATH at UC Merced, how it will aid in your goals for a B.S./B.A. or research, and ultimately your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your need to prepare to transfer to a 4-year institution.    

CSU Bakersfield Students:

  • Describe how your experiences and background have shaped your plans after completing your bachelor’s degree. These plans may include graduate school, professional school, research-focused careers, or other advanced training. You are not expected to have everything decided, focus on how your interests and goals are taking shape. 

  • Please explain why you are interested in CV PATH at UC Merced and how this experience could support your preparation for graduate or professional studies, research, or related career goals. In your response, describe what draws you to a research experience that involves sustained effort, learning new methods or ways of thinking, and working through uncertainty. You may discuss skills you hope to strengthen, how you approach challenging or unfamiliar tasks, or experiences that have helped you develop independence and follow-through. You may also share factors that make participating in this program particularly meaningful or important for you at this stage. 

CV PATH CONTACTS: