Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) – Apply Now!

The RECCS Summer Research Program is a paid summer research experience program open to all Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and Wyoming community college students. We encourage applications from students currently living in, or who grew up in rural communities. We seek applicants from a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.  

The goal of RECCS is to give community college students an authentic research experience at CU Boulder, ranked #1 in the world for geosciences.  The program allows students to explore environmental or geosciences and gain the confidence to transition to a four-year program in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) disciplines. 

Ten – 14 students will receive a weekly stipend of $650 to conduct field- or lab-based independent research over a nine-week period in the summer (June 2 – August 1, 2025) while working with a team of scientists. Students will learn basic research and communication skills, and they will present their research at a local student science symposium. 

To be eligible to apply you must:

• Be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident
• Attend a Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, or New Mexico community college (can graduate in the spring semester and plan to attend a 4-year college)
• Have completed a minimum of two science classes, and college algebra is encouraged.
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or have a reasonable explanation if below.
• Not have a BA or BS even in a completely unrelated discipline
• Be willing to make a full-time commitment for 9 weeks (40 hours per week)  

A complete application includes the following:

• Completed online application form.
• An unofficial transcript (uploaded during the online application process).
  • Accepted students will be asked to provide an official transcript.
• Mandatory online Recommendation Form completed by an instructor or administrator at your community college. 

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All communications will be via email – check your emails regularly!