SPS Student Resources

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are paid summer research opportunities funded by the NSF at universities across the US, plus a few abroad. They typically include ten weeks of research, professional development opportunities, and a several thousand dollar stipend in addition to room and board. Check out the list of Physics REUs and the list of Astronomy REUs.

SULI is a Department of Energy program providing paid research experiences at DOE National Laboratories. They run a 10-week program over the summer, and 16-week programs in Fall and Spring.

The National Society of Physics Students runs a 10-week summer internship in science research, education, and policy in Washington, DC. This paid internship includes a stipend, housing, and travel to and from DC.

National SPS also offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduates. The deadline to apply is typically in March. Find more information on the SPS national website.

Thinking of going into industry? APS has a mentorship program that pairs undergraduate students with industrial physicists. You must be an APS member to participate, but undergraduates get one year of APS membership for free.

The APS National Mentoring Community (NMC) is a mentorship program for underrepresented minorities which does not require APS mentorship and is completely free. It pairs African American, Hispanic American, and Native American undergraduate physics students with physics mentors.

Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) are annual regional conferences targeting women and gender minorities in physics. The conference typically occurs in mid-January and includes poster presentations, talks by professional physicists, and workshops on graduate school, research opportunities, and more. Applications are due at the end of each October and are not competitive. If you're not a woman, you can still apply.

If you applied to CUWiP, the Department of Physics and Astronomy can reimburse your registration fee. Contact Jennifer Roberts for more information.