Programs and Funding
Office for URaCE Programs
These programs provide hands-on training with research and career readiness skill acquisition. Program activities and assignments are built around the eight career readiness skills outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Read the Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR) document guiding this work.
Students who participate in these programs earn badges and certificates to showcase career readiness skills.
Introduction to Undergraduate Research Training Program: A semester-long experience designed to help students successfully navigate the research environment at UTC, and learn essential skills for career success! Students who complete the program will be prepared to pursue a variety of research opportunities. Undergraduate students across all majors are encouraged to apply. Students with a strong desire to pursue research centered careers at the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to apply. The program is offered during the fall semester.
Undergraduate Research Work-Study program: Open to UTC undergraduate students who hold a Federal Work-Study Award (FWS) or an Academic Services Scholars Program Award. The program requires a one-year commitment (fall and spring semesters). During the fall semester, program participants engage in research and professional development training. In spring, student scholars continue research activities, and present findings at the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference.
Summer Undergraduate Research and Professional Development Learning Institute: This free, 6-week institute prepares students for undergraduate research. Participants learn about the research process, how to identify and apply for UR positions on campus and beyond, practice transferable skills necessary for research and career success, draft a CV, and learn from current undergraduate researchers.
Summer Study Abroad Opportunities: The Office for URaCE in partnership with the Center for Global Education administers research-focused study abroad opportunities during the summer semesters. 2027 locations include Sheffield, UK, Thailand, Hungary, China and many more!
Driving Action Through Analytics and Analysis (DATAA) Internship Program: The DATAA Student Internship Program gives UTC students the opportunity to work alongside local nonprofits, healthcare organizations, schools, and government agencies to solve real community challenges through data. DATAA interns help organizations improve how they collect, manage, analyze, and use information to strengthen programs, measure impact, evaluate outcomes, and improve quality of life across the Chattanooga region.
Funding Opportunities for Students Engaged in Research Activities
SEARCH Award: The Scholarship, Engagement, the Arts, Research, Creativity, and Humanities (SEARCH) Award Program supports UTC graduate students and undergraduate students across all disciplines who pursue original scholarship under the supervision of UTC faculty. SEARCH awardees gain intensive, hands-on experience with writing a research proposal, designing a research project or creative work, and disseminating findings through publication and/or presentation. Most projects commence at the beginning of the fall semester and conclude the following spring or summer.
Conference Registration Support: Has your research abstract been accepted for presentation at a regional or national conference? Congratulations! You may be eligible for Office for URaCE support to cover the cost of the conference registration fee.