How to Apply

Students should complete the Academic Opportunities Grant application on Summit. To be eligible for review, the student application must be complete and submitted by 5pm on the first Wednesday of each block. We recommend that applicants prepare the application in word processing software (MS Word, Pages), and then cut and paste each of the three student-generated sections into the form in Summit. All all applications Some projects will also need IRB, IACUC, or Travel Review approval.

Students should develop their grant proposal in consultation with the faculty mentor/supervisor of the thesis, capstone, or independent study. The three student-generated sections of the application are:

1. Project description (300-500 words):

  • Research and/or academic objectives: Clearly and concisely state the objective of the independent study/project. What is the scholarly problem, question, or idea? What is the significance of the project?
  • Background: Provide background theory, ideas, related literature.
  • Methodology or approach: Description of the method/approach and rationale.
  • Anticipated outcome(s): State the expected outcomes. What contribution will be made to the applicant's educational goals? Will there be positive impact to the discipline or to the college learning community?

2. Timeline:

  • A detailed and realistic timeline for the project (e.g., start date, progress milestones, project completion date)
  • State the course number and the block during which the thesis/independent study will be undertaken.
  • State the approximate date the independent study will be entirely completed and graded.

3. Budget and justification:

  • An itemized budget: For each item, indicate the specific item requested, unit cost, quantity needed, and total cost of item. Provide a link when possible to document the approximate cost. Provide an explanation of why each item is needed. Disclose other sources of funding secured or sought for the project. Receiving an Academic Opportunities Grant means that the project is not eligible for other institutional funds (e.g., Office of Student Life or Office of the President Funds).
  • All receipts must be kept and uploaded to Summit at the completion of the grant. Failure to document all expenses with receipts could lead to a revocation of the grant.

Student account print-out:

Award funds for an approved proposal will be deposited into your student account. The award cannot be processed if there is a balance due in your account (but see *).

All applicants must visit the Student Accounts Office to obtain a printout of their account status. The Student Accounts Office is at Spencer Rm 116, (719) 389-6698, StudentAccounts@coloradocollege.edu.

*If you have completed all necessary requirements for financial aid to cover your current balance - speak with the student accounts staff and they will be able to notates on your printout that your account is in good standing even if there is a balance due.

IRB/IACUC approval:

Human subjects research requires IRB approval. Live vertebrate animal research requires IACUC approval.

IRB and IACUC applications must also be submitted to the IRB/IACUC by 5pm on the first Wednesday. Not submitting your IRB/IACUC application by this deadline will mean that the Academic Opportunities Grant application will not be reviewed until the following block.

Faculty reference:

  • Each application will need a statement of support by the faculty research advisor.
  • Student applicants will indicate in the Summit application who the faculty reference is, and can request the faculty reference from within the Summit application.
  • The faculty member will be invited by email to submit a brief statement of support via Summit.
  • The faculty member should comment on the scholarly, educational, and/or artistic significance of the project, the student's preparation to complete and excel at the project, and the faculty member's role in guiding and supporting the student's independent study.
  • The faculty letter is due by the second Wednesday.

Contact Us

Lisa Schwartz
Assistant Director, Grants, Research & Fellowships | Career Center

Office of the Dean of the College 
Report an issue - Last updated: 06/30/2023