Harvard College Research Program Grant

Harvard College Research Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harvard University
Amount: Up to US $1,000
Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Summary

The Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) offers funding for student-initiated research and creative projects with mentorship from Harvard-affiliated faculty. This program enhances academic experiences beyond the classroom, fostering close collaboration between students and faculty. HCRP supports various terms and encourages students from all concentrations to apply. Eligible students must maintain good academic standing and have faculty sponsors who are Harvard members. HCRP emphasizes autonomy in project development while providing financial resources for research-related expenses.

Overview

Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) provides funding in support of student-initiated, independent scholarly research or creative endeavors undertaken with guidance of a Harvard-affiliated faculty mentor. GENERAL INFORMATION: The Harvard College Research Program (HCRP) provides funding in support of student-initiated, independent scholarly research or creative endeavors undertaken with guidance of a Harvard-affiliated faculty mentor.** HCRP grants advance academic experiences outside the classroom and expand opportunities for students to work closely with faculty members. In contrast to a research assistantship, HCRP recipients demonstrate autonomy in the development, direction, and preparation of the overall research project. Awards are available for fall and spring terms of the academic year, as well as for the summer. Undergraduate students from all concentrations are encouraged to apply. ** Departmentally-approved senior thesis advisors who are not members of a Harvard faculty may also serve as the HCRP faculty mentor.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. In order to be eligible for HCRP funding, students must meet the following criteria:Enrolled Harvard College degree-seeking studentsStudents in good academic and disciplinary standingStudents whose research project faculty sponsors are members of a Harvard FacultyTerm-Time: students enrolled for the duration of the funded semesterSummer: students in good standing on a voluntary leave of absence during the Spring term may apply for HCRP Summer funding provided that they obtain prior approval for funding from the Administrative Board. It is possible to receive funding for spring and summer but you do need to apply separately for each semester. Further, it does not decrease your chances of funding if you have applied and received funds before. If you apply for funding every semester and summer throughout your four years it may eventually decrease your chances, but we often see students apply for 2-3 terms consecutively.You can be supported for research-related expenses.With HCRP you can apply for a project that fits your schedule. HCRP only funds research activity undertaken under the mentorship of a Harvard-affiliated faculty member. However, sometimes you may be working on a project on which there is a Harvard-affiliated faculty member, but the person directly mentoring you is not Harvard-affiliated. In this situation, you should have both the research advisor and the Harvard-affiliated faculty member co-write the letter of support to explain the unique situation and your role and how they will each be advising you. Students may only submit one application for research funding per cycle.HCRP funding must be used to support research conducted during the award period for which the funding is requested.

Ineligibility

You cannot receive a stipend for research for which you are receiving credit.  Group research projects are generally not well received. HCRP was founded on the principles of individual research and the student experience. However, if a group wants to apply for HCRP the proposals should be unique and independent to each student’s research.