Sophomores in the Milstein Program can apply for summer mini-project funds of up to $2,000 for project work to be done over the summer. These mini-projects can be continuations of your First-year Project or a new project of your choice, including: a creative undertaking, a data visualization, a small scale research project, or any project you choose that explores the intersection of technology and humanity and can be completed over the summer by July 31st. Project proposals must include a deliverable which should be defined in your application and completed and submitted by July 31st.
Applicants must choose an advisor for their project that they will meet with three times over the course of the funded period.
The advisor can be a faculty member, researcher, graduate student, or postdoc ideally at Cornell, but potentially elsewhere (or an independent scholar or entrepreneur in your industry of interest). If you need help or suggestions, we suggest that you reach out to the Milstein Program's staff or director.
Application Guidelines
Applications should consist of the following materials in a single .pdf file (2 pages double spaced):
- Cover sheet including your name, NetID, major(s) & minor(s), proposed project title, amount requested (up to $2,000)
- Abstract (~1 paragraph): What are you hoping to do with the funds? What will the outcome be? Have you secured an advisor? Who is it?
- Statement of purpose (~2 paragraphs): Why? What makes this project relevant? How will you do this project? What are your current plans?
- Biographical sketch (~1 paragraphs): What have you been doing that leads you to this project? How will these funds further your interests?
Deadline: May 20
Please send your application (single .pdf) to milsteinprogram@cornell.edu.
FAQs
Can I apply for less than $2,000? Yes. $2,000 is the maximum and you can certainly apply for less.
What if I have an internship (a separate opportunity from this proposed project)? If you have a paid internship (full-time), you are ineligible. If you have an unpaid internship (full-time), you may apply for a maximum of $1,000. If you have part-time internship (paid/unpaid), you may apply for a maximum of $2,000.
How is the funding disbursed? You will either be paid on an hourly basis, weekly (with a time-card) or through two RUSS payments at the mid-point and end of the 8 weeks. Payment type will depend on the kind of project and your advisor.