Applying
The steps, forms and resources for a successful application
The Excellence Grant
- up to $2,500 per recipient for salary, materials or travel
- for projects in collaboration with a faculty mentor
- funds research, scholarly and creative projects
- all campuses and all disciplines are eligible
- minimum institutional GPA of 3.200
For the 2025-2026 academic year, we anticipate a large number of applications. This will likely result in a lower percentage of funded applications compared to previous years.
2025-2026 Application Dates
Fall Deadline: October 21, 2025 by 5:00 pm
Award Announcement Date: by December 13, 2025
Grant Duration: January 2026 through December 2026
Spring Deadline: March 24, 2026 by 5:00 pm
Award Announcement Date: by May 1, 2026
Grant Duration: June 2026 through May 2026
Award Requirements
Steps for accepting the award and completing requirements
Using Your Money
How the award works: get your money and close accounts
For Mentors
Expectations for mentoring a scholar, the application process (including steps for USCeRA submission), requirements of awardees and accessing funds