TRANSFORMATIVE AND LIFE-CHANGING
The Frost Fund
Bailey College alumnus William Frost and his wife, Linda, gave a CSU record gift to Cal Poly’s Bailey College of Science and Mathematics in 2017. The gift is among the largest ever given to public higher education in California and directly supports the development of undergraduate research initiatives across the college. More importantly, it has changed the lives and careers of our students and faculty, and will continue to for generations to come.
WATCH VIDEO ON THE FROSTS’ TRANSFORMATIVE GIFT
The Frost Vision
The Frosts envision transforming science and mathematics education at Cal Poly by greatly enhancing the resources for undergraduate research. Their gift has supported a new interdisciplinary research center, sponsors scholarships to attract top students, provides cutting-edge equipment, and increases the hiring of instructors, giving faculty members more time to mentor student researchers.
More on Grant-Related Assigned Time and Grant Writing Programs
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Cal Poly proudly unveiled the William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation in 2023. The Frost Center is transforming students’ Learn by Doing experiences and providing unprecedented opportunities for students and faculty to engage in real-world research, address the world’s most pressing concerns, or work with cutting-edge technologies and equipment that lead to creative solutions and discovery.
EMPOWERING Undergraduate Research
By supporting faculty mentors and student researchers, the Frost Fund is a powerful catalyst for hands-on, Learn by Doing experiences and undergraduate research across disciplines.
Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Each summer, 250-300 undergraduate students work full-time, paid research positions as part of the Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). This highly impactful program accelerates science through an immersive research experience with faculty mentors.
Frost Research Scholarships
Continuing students with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to research are eligible to apply for a Frost Research Scholarship. These scholarships are $10,000 per year with a guaranteed opportunity to participate in the Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program, which comes with an additional $4,500 award.
Publications and Presentations:
Big experiences happen early in the Bailey College. Our undergrads often author or co-author peer-reviewed research publications in academic journals — accomplishments typically reserved for graduate or doctoral levels. Also, by presenting research to the scientific community, their knowledge crystallizes, confidence grows and professional networks expand.