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University of Illinois Research Apprentice Program (RAP) Scholarship

CHICAGO SECTION OF THE INSTITUTE OF FOOD

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

University of Illinois Research Apprentice Program (RAP) Scholarship

Funder: Chicago Section IFT (CSIFT)

Geographic Scope: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

Overview:
CSIFT supports the Research Apprentice Program, a campus-based summer program designed to expose high school students—particularly those from ethnic minority and low socioeconomic backgrounds—to educational and professional opportunities in food, human, and environmental sciences.

Focus Areas:

  • High school student development

  • STEM education and career pathways

  • Underrepresented student recruitment

  • Food science exposure

    • Target Population:

  • Urban high school students

  • Students from ethnic minority backgrounds

  • Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds

    • Program Structure:

  • RAP I: Four-week team experience for freshmen and sophomores with projects in partnership with ACES and sponsoring companies

  • RAP II: Eight-week campus experience for older high school students performing research projects under faculty and graduate student guidance

    • Eligibility:

  • High school students in first or second year (RAP I)

  • Older high school students (RAP II)

  • Demonstrated interest in STEM and agricultural sciences

    • Award/Support Details:

  • CSIFT funds used for program equipment, supplies, and graduate student mentor stipends

  • Ongoing annual support

  • Over $120,000 contributed by CSIFT over nearly three decades

    • Program Impact:

  • Between 1988-2014: Nearly 1,250 high school students participated

  • 60% African American, 35% Latino participants

  • 98% of RAP II seniors enrolled in four-year colleges

  • 60% of RAP participants enrolled at UIUC, many selecting ACES majors

    • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    stem-educationyouth-programsminorities

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