Eligibility
The Latinx Studies Experiential Learning Fellowship (ELF) supports all students. Applicants are eligible to apply regardless of their immigration and FAFSA eligibility status.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, and in good academic standing.
- Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate student at UO in a degree-granting program.
- Students not enrolled full-time at the time of application may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Enrollment during the summer term is not required.
- Students must be enrolled at the UO during their project period, and/or planning to return in the Fall after a summer experience.
- All students doing Latinx-related projects are welcome to apply, though there will be a preference for Latinx Studies minors
- UO faculty member who has agreed to serve as the mentor for the research/creative work.
- The faculty mentor must have an appointment as a tenure-related or career faculty of .50FTE or above.
- If research/creative work will be performed at another institution, the UO faculty mentor will remain the primary supervisor/mentor.
- The applicant may not receive funds to conduct the same research supported through other internal UO research funding programs, during the same fellowship time period.
- IMPORTANT: If you are receiving federal financial aid, this award may affect your financial aid eligibility. Students who receive federal aid have a responsibility to report all awards earned to the UO Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information; the “contact form” is monitored by a real person.
- The award will be provided only once during the student's academic career at the University of Oregon.
Funding Amount
- Time commitment of approximately 250 hours: $4,500 for student, $1,000 in ASA funds for faculty mentor
- Time commitment of approximately 125 hours: $2,250 for student, $500 in ASA funds for faculty mentor
Professional and Career Development Resources and Support
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) hold academic and professional development gatherings, particularly over summer, to support students on research fellowships with resume building, maximizing use of LinkedIn, exploring distinguished scholarships, and continued research experience development. They have opened these opportunities to Latinx Studies ELF recipients, who are strongly encouraged to take advantage of them. Furthermore, ELF recipients will be encouraged to apply for the CURE conference travel award ($500) to accompany their mentor to a relevant academic conference.
ELF Commitments and Responsibilities
Fellows are expected to:
- Commit approximately 125 or 250 hours to the project on a timeline described in the application. This fellowship is flexible and can be a summer project, an academic year project, or a project that includes both timeframes.
- Submit a final report within one month after the conclusion of fellowship.
- Follow through on their “dissemination” plan, which may include a presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and/or in the wider community
- Apprise the Latinx Studies program of any publications, conference presentations, or public performance/exhibits that are associated with the research/creative work.
- Acknowledge the Latinx Studies program in all work resulting from research and creative work during the fellowship.
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards of proposing and conducting research, as outlined by UO's Office of Research Compliance Services, to meet university, state and federal compliance standards.
Research Project Types
- Independent, student-led projects under the mentorship of a UO faculty member.
- Faculty-led projects where the undergraduate student contributes to the project developed by a UO faculty member as a research assistant.
Application Details
Application and Recommendation Letter Deadlines:
- May 4, 2026 (no later than 5:00 pm PT) to begin award on June 15, 2026 or later.
- November 2, 2026 to begin award on January 1, 2027 or later.
- Recommendation from your faculty mentor (linked below) has the same due dates.
Proposal Criteria
Proposal should be a single PDF that includes the following sections; you will upload it.
- Project summary–300 words maximum (also referred to as an abstract): The summary functions as both a synopsis of your overall idea and includes hypothesis/thesis/purpose of study or creative work that addresses the central research question. For art and creative work proposals, this can focus on the subject matter and relationship between your concept and material/medium. A strong summary defines the subject or problem, explains why it is important to research, and outlines your plan of action. What are the anticipated discoveries or outcomes gained from this work, as well as any prospective contributions to knowledge and the academic field, the community, and/or the arts?
- Methods, approach, or medium (200 words maximum): That will be used to conduct research or creative work. What are the procedures or techniques used to identify, select, and examine the data/information? Art and creative work proposals can focus on your creative practice and methods.
- Data and/or types of primary and secondary sources or anticipated findings. For art and creative work proposals, this can focus on medium and materials to be used or in use.
- Your planned role and responsibilities within this project, and research faculty mentor's role in guiding you (200 words maximum)
- This is an opportunity to clarify if you are participating or performing a particular role within a larger research/creative work project or if it is your own independent project (mentorship is assumed for all types of projects). Discuss the resources that are available to the applicant in support of this work.
- What are the dissemination plans for this research? (100 words maximum): How will the results of the project be shared via the Undergraduate Research Forum and/or in the wider community?
- Project schedule: In a chart or short statement, explain the approximate distribution of time commitment and work phases during the project period, as well as the plan for regular check-ins with the mentor. Project period is flexible as long as you clearly define the timeline.
- Biographical statement (200 words maximum): Reflect on an experience, interest, or moment of growth that has shaped how you think, learn, create, or engage in academic or creative work. This may include a challenge or obstacle, but could also be a formative opportunity, responsibility, curiosity, or turning point in your educational journey. Describe what you learned from the experience, how it influenced your perspective or approach to inquiry, and how it connects to your goals as a researcher, scholar, artist, advocate, or engaged community member. Share what you are comfortable conveying. Application materials are confidential and will not be disseminated outside the committee.
If your research involves human subjects, consult with your mentor to ensure that it meets human subject guidelines. An IRB approval or exemption documentation will be required if the applicant is selected as a recipient.