Financial Support Initiative - Research Funds

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The Intercultural Center provides students here at Swarthmore College with the opportunity to secure funding for Summer Research Projects. They are designed to make summer research that much more accessible as students take on paid or unpaid research projects. 

Funding is to support five (5) students for $1,000 that support global stewardship, belonging, community engagement, interculturalism, diversity, equity, and/or inclusion in any field of study.

Selection Process and Proposal Rating Criteria

Proposals are initially reviewed by Intercultural Center Staff and some selected campus representatives. The committee will review the proposals and rate them based on the criteria listed below.

 Proposal Rating Criteria 

  • Justification

    • Advances Swarthmore College -related outcomes as identified in the 2024 Strategic Plan and the Intercultural Center that includes increasing educating the whole student and prioritizing the continued development of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

  • Impact

    • Indicates the potential for tangible results, capacity-building related to serving students

    • Offers an effective, innovative approach to creating academic or professional development opportunities for students

  • Evaluation

    • Delivers clear outcomes that are consistent with campus-wide inclusivity goals needed for additional Considerations

    • Projects that leverage additional resources and funding sources 

    • Sustainability and ability for replication 

    • Projects that foster collaboration between groups (e.g. multiple departments, schools/colleges, staff, faculty, students, nonprofits organizations, and/or community).

Program Objectives

  • Enhance student access to summer research by alleviating or removing some financial barriers
  • Amplify student’s academic pursuit in academic research projects that promote global stewardship through identifying equity gaps to create potential solutions
  • Increase student knowledge of inclusive global stewardship and interpersonal development along the lines of identity and culture 

Proposal funding is for Summer 2026. Apply HERE!!!