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UROC DSIG Research Fellow Program

UROC - DSIG Research Fellowship Program

The UROC - DSIG Research Fellowship Program supports UC Merced undergraduate students in gaining meaningful research experience while developing academic, professional, and career readiness skills. The program is administered by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) and funded through the Dream Success Initiative Grant (DSIG), which supports students with demonstrated financial need.

Through this program, fellows collaborate with a faculty mentor on a research or scholarly project while participating in professional development programming designed to prepare students for graduate school, research careers, and other post-baccalaureate opportunities. The program also partners with the Monarch Center and other campus partners to provide holistic student support.

By the end of the program, students will gain hands-on research experience, strengthen professional skills, and develop a clearer pathway toward their academic and career goals.

Program Eligibility

To be eligible for the UROC - DSIG Research Fellowship Program, applicants must:

Submit a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2026–2027 academic year
Be an active Cal Grant A or B recipient
Demonstrate financial need *this is determined by Finacial Aid*
Be enrolled as a UC Merced undergraduate student for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027
Have a 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher (preferred but not required)
Complete minimum 150 service hours per semester (~10 hours per week) working on their research project

Program Requirements

Students selected for the UROC - DSIG Research Fellowship Program must:

2.8+ GPA preferred
Submit UROC - DSIG Research Fellowship Program Application

UROC will provide workshops and one-on-one advising to assist students in identifying and connecting with faculty mentors.

Application Materials

The following materials are required to complete the UROC - DSIG Research Fellowship Program application:

Online application form
If you already have a faculty member you are working with: You will be asked to provide their faculty information.
If you do not yet have a faculty member: You will be asked to identify three faculty members, research groups, or projects that interest you and briefly explain why you selected them.
- Students do not need to have confirmed a faculty mentor before submitting the application
Submit DSIG grant application