Research without limits
Frost Research Scholars have extended research experiences throughout the academic year. Working alongside faculty mentors, they refine their skills, grow expertise and make lasting contributions to their areas of study.
Continuing full-time students with a demonstrated interest in research are eligible to apply for a Frost Research Scholarship. The scholarships are usually awarded for two years, starting with a student’s third year at Cal Poly. Exceptional students may occasionally be selected to receive the scholarship starting in their second year. Applications are due early in spring term for scholarships to be awarded the subsequent academic year.
Scholarships are $10,000 per year with a guaranteed opportunity to participate in the Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), which comes with a $4,500 award. During the academic year, students must commit to 10 hours of research per week with their faculty mentor and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
What makes a Frost Research Scholar?
Frost Research Scholars typically have a deep interest in research. They excel in and out of the classroom, often presenting research at external conferences or co-authoring publications in peer-reviewed journals. Many go on to graduate or professional schools, with plans to pursue a career in industry, academia or medicine.
Generous support from the Frost Research Scholarship enabled me to focus most of my time on mathematics research, which was a transformative experience, both personally and professionally.
Frost Research Scholarship FAQs
- Frost Research Scholars are recipients of a $10,000 scholarship for continuing students that includes the guaranteed opportunity to participate in Frost SURP, which comes with the $4,500 award.
- Frost Research Fellows are participants in the Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) who are paid a Frost Undergraduate Research Award.
Scholarships are $10,000 per year with a guaranteed opportunity to participate in the Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program, which comes with a $4,500 award.
Continuing students with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to research are eligible to apply for a Frost Research Scholarship. Typically awarded for two years, starting with a student’s third year at Cal Poly, with some exceptions for outstanding first or third year students. Continuing transfer students are also eligible.
Each December, department chairs send out a call for applications—with the application form and deadlines—to students and faculty. Applications are due early in Spring Semester for scholarships that will begin the subsequent Fall Semester.
Students must complete an application jointly with a faculty member who nominates them for the Frost Research Scholarship. The faculty member commits to mentoring the student in a well-defined research project for the duration of the scholarship.
For those of you who may have an interest but don’t know where to start, we encourage you to reach out to a faculty member in the department and ask questions. It is appropriate to ask a faculty member to nominate you. Let them know what you are interested in, and talk to them about whether they might have a research idea that you could work on together. If they don't have a project, they might be able to point to you someone who does.
- Demonstrated interest and ability in, and commitment to, undergraduate research.
- Has joined or is in the process of being accepted into a research group.
- Strong academic record, particularly in the major; generally, 3.0 or higher.
- Anticipated research projects are well defined and have the potential for professional presentations, peer reviewed publications and other external validation.
- Intention to pursue opportunities for graduate schools, professional schools or employment after graduation.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by mid-April.
Any Frost Research Scholarship applicants who wish to participate in the Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program regardless of whether they are selected for a scholarship must apply through their faculty mentor’s department. Please contact the department or your faculty mentor for details on how to apply.
The Frost Research Scholarship is required to be coordinated with any other grant aid. The Cal Poly Financial Aid Office will apply the scholarship in the way that maximizes your grant aid eligibility based on your financial need as defined by SAI (Student Aid Index) and Cal Poly Cost of Attendance.
A change of major within Bailey College degree programs is acceptable, subject to approval by the receiving department. Change of majors to other programs are considered as long as the program has a strong science and mathematics foundation. Please consult with the Frost Fund Director if you are contemplating a change of major.
These programs are supported by the Frost Research Scholarship as long as they are associated with the University and result in academic units on your Cal Poly transcript. Consult with Frost Fund Director if you are interested participating in an international program that is not associated with Cal Poly.
We understand that occasionally students will need medical leaves or have personal opportunities that require a leave. Generally, we approve these leaves for up to a year. Please consult with the Frost Fund Director if you are considering a leave of absence.
Frost Research Scholars are encouraged to graduate in four years and to make plans for graduate school, professional school or employment to begin immediately upon graduation. Additionally, Frost Research Scholars are highly encouraged to participate in summer research or internship opportunities, and to present their research at the annual Bailey College Student Research Conference.