What is STARS?

STARS (Student Achievement in Research and Scholarship) is a mentoring program that targets talented minority undergraduate students. This program aids participating students through faculty mentoring, student research, financial support of a research project, and assistance in navigating the graduate education application and funding process.

What do STARS participants do?

• Conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty mentor
• Gain presentation experience at University sponsored research conferences and conferences beyond Ohio State.
• Compete for research awards of up to $1200 to fund an original research project.
• Attend a series of STARS workshops to learn about the graduate application process as well as details about graduate funding opportunities.
• Work one-on-one with Graduate School staff in preparing graduate applications and identifying and competing for sources for graduate funding
• Select a faculty mentor in which to do research.
• Attend the Ohio STARS conference.

STARS Eligibility Requirements

• STARS targets African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics sophomores and juniors
• U.S. citizenship
• 3.0 or better G.P.A.
• Interest in pursuing graduate education

STARS Application Process

• Complete the application and cover sheet.
• Download a current copy of your advising report.
• Develop a resume that highlights work experience, academic honors and activities, organizational memberships, and relevant volunteer roles.
• Write a short personal statement indicating how you might benefit from STARS participation and what qualities/experiences make you a good candidate for the programs.
• Obtain a letter of recommendation from the faculty member who will serve as your research mentor.
• Prepare a proposal outlining the research project, projected budget, ad project timeline.

To request an application, please contact Joe Papio at (614) 247-6377 or via email at papio.1@gradsch.ohio-state.edu.

Application Deadline to be announced