This opportunity is currently open.
Are you working on impactful research or projects related to the Gulf of Mexico or its communities? The UF Gulf Scholars Program invites you to partner with us to offer hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students. By collaborating with us, you can host Gulf Scholars who will contribute to your project while gaining valuable experience.
Program Overview
The UF Gulf Scholars Program offers between $750 and $5,000 to support Fall 2026 and Spring 2026 experiential learning opportunities and Gulf Impact Projects for students led by faculty or community partners (please see below for eligible expenses). These opportunities can include internships, research projects, field excursions, or project-based or field courses. All experiences should relate to Gulf of Mexico and its diverse communities—both coastal and inland—spanning from Florida to Texas.
Background
In 2023, UF was selected as one of five universities to host the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot initiative funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This program prepares undergraduate students to address environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges facing Gulf communities. Additionally, former UF President Ben Sasse secured $414,000 in strategic funds to supplement the initial $475,000 grant.
The UF Gulf Scholars Program includes:
- Development and enhancement of Gulf-related courses
- Experiential and place-based learning (research, internships, field excursions)
- Faculty-mentored Gulf Impact Projects
- Public programming focused on Gulf issues
- Cohort meetings to foster mentoring and networking among Gulf Scholars students, faculty and staff
Students can engage at any level, whether by taking individual courses, attending events, or fully participating in the program. Those who complete all program components before graduation will earn the UF Gulf Scholars medallion. To meet graduation requirements, students should have at least four semesters remaining. Experiential learning funded through this grant will help fulfill the medallion requirements. Although we will consider funding opportunities with various time frames, an experiential learning opportunity must include at least one semester’s worth of work for the student, averaging 6-10 hours per week, to meet the requirements for the medallion. Please view this syllabus template that mentors and students will need to fill out together before the start of the experience.
A Gulf Studies minor or certificate is also being developed.
Focus Areas (Gulf Streams)
We are particularly looking for field courses, research opportunities, internships, and more related to our program pathways, or Gulf Streams:
- Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
- Cultural Heritage, History, and Storytelling
- Resilient Built Environments and Economies
- Policy and Advocacy
- Public Health
With a focus on civic engagement, public service, and leadership, UF Gulf Scholars will explore the Gulf’s environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, equipping them to promote stewardship, resilience, and innovation as they enter the workforce. Learn more in our web story.
Eligible expenses
For UF faculty/staff
- Student stipends for research opportunities or internships:
- $750 per undergraduate student for Summer A, B or experience that is 8 weeks or less.
- $1,200 per undergraduate student for Fall or Spring Semesters
- Additional funds as necessary to help pay for accommodations or travel expenses for off campus activities
- Programmatic funds for expenses related to field trips and excursions, field courses, project implementation, or research activities.
For community partners:
*Note that for entities outside UF, funds may only be distributed directly to a student.
- Student stipends for research opportunities or internships:
- $750 per undergraduate student for Summer A, B or experience that is 8 weeks or less.
- $1,200 per undergraduate student for Fall or Spring Semesters
- Additional funds as necessary to help pay for accommodations or travel expenses for off campus activities
Eligibility
- Faculty and staff: Tenure-track and non-tenure track faculty and staff with renewable appointments. Projects should integrate Gulf-related themes and contribute to the Gulf Scholars Program’s learning outcomes. Collaborations with community partners are encouraged.
- Community Partners: Organizations, nonprofits, businesses or agencies working on Gulf-related projects. Collaborations with UF faculty are encouraged but not required.
Requirements
- All projects should include a Gulf Impact Project component, satisfying the experiential learning requirement of the UF Gulf Scholars medallion program.
- The experience and related Gulf Impact Project must relate to the Gulf of Mexico or its communities.
- The experience should address one or more Gulf Scholars learning outcomes through hands-on work and mentorship. Proposals must include a plan for evaluating the targeted learning outcomes.
- The experience must include regular meetings and mentorship of participating students.
- Collaboration among faculty members and community partners is encouraged and preferred.
- A report and feedback on the experience are required at the end of the project.
Benefits
- Gain support from motivated UF students who bring fresh perspectives, skills, and a strong commitment to the Gulf region.
- Receive financial support from the Gulf Scholars Program, minimizing the cost of hosting a student while benefiting from their contributions.
- Inspire the next generation of leaders dedicated to making the Gulf a better place.
Application Materials
- A detailed description of the project or opportunity, including its relevance to the Gulf and expected impact. (3 pages or less)
- A plan for how students will be involved, including regular duties and mentorship.
- A budget outlining the type of support you are looking for. Please refer to the “eligible expenses” section of this page.
- Information on the number of students supported and the potential for academic credit.
- Details on the alignment with UF Gulf Stream(s) and learning outcomes.
Before You Submit: Attend our Info Session!
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an info session that will outline best practices for designing a Gulf Scholars experiential learning opportunity. The workshop will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Pugh Hall O’Neill Reading Room. UF faculty and staff should plan to attend in person. Community partners who are not on the UF campus will be provided with a Zoom link by request. Learn more and register at the following link: UF Gulf Scholars Experiential Learning Faculty Info Session
Application timeline
April 24, 2025: Info session for interested applicants.
May 4, 2025: Applications due
May 12, 2025: Grant recipients selected and notified.
May 26-June 15, 2025: Advertise Fall 2025 opportunities to students.
By July 23, 2025: Select and notify students.
Fall semester 2025: Selected students begin experiential learning opportunity.
*Note that timelines will be different for opportunities slated to begin in Spring 2026
Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Recipients will be notified by May 12, 2025.
To Apply
Submit your proposal at the following link by Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.: UF Gulf Scholars Experiential Learning Proposals
View the PDF of the full application.
Contact:
Rebecca Burton, UF Gulf Scholars Coordinator, Bob Graham Center for Public Service, rlburton@ufl.edu or (352) 846-4723.