Southeastern Research Experiences for Undergraduates (SE REU)

The South Eastern Research Experiences for Undergraduates (SE REU) program is a summer internship program for undergraduate students enrolled at HBCU institutions across the southeastern U.S. (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico).

The program provides students the funding to participate in quality REU programs at FTPP partner institutions in a broad spectrum of disciplines. The ultimate goal of the program is to engage a diverse, educated, and skilled pool of scientists and engineers to promote long-term relationships between students and investigators to enhance the Alabama workforce.

The SE REU program is envisioned to run in parallel to the NSF REU programs at the following institutions:

  • The University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Alabama State University

Applicant Eligibility

  • Applicants must be an undergraduate student enrolled full-time in a higher education HBCU institution in the southeastern U.S (in a state that is part of NSF EPSCoR), which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
  • Applicants must be pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field.
  • Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Applicants graduating before the internship are not eligible to apply unless they have accepted an offer to become graduate students at an FTPP institution.
  • Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Applicants must be 19 years of age by the start date of the appointment.
  • Interns must have health insurance coverage during the internship.

SE REU Projects

Please see the associated institution’s REU program website for specific information on their stipend, allowance, travel, and other expenses.

Internship Benefits

  • Gain practical experience in a top-tier REU program surrounded by a diverse, knowledgeable, and highly skilled community of scientists and engineers.
  • A ten-week stipend.
  • Paid on-campus housing during the ten weeks in Alabama.
  • Travel expenses.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Intern must check preferred REU internship program before applying.
  • Interns must complete all requirements, as listed by the program from the host institution.
  • Interns must participate full-time for ten consecutive weeks (40 hours a week, Monday – Friday).

Key Dates

  • November 30, 2024
    • SE REU starts accepting applications.
  • February 18, 2024
    • Application deadline: Last day for students to submit applications, supporting materials, reference letters, and project preferences.
  • Beginning of March, 2024
    • SE REU makes offers to selected students.
  • Dates (please check respective school)
    • Internship Dates range from May 19 – August 2, 2024

Application

  • To start the application process:
  • Please click on Register/Login if you’ve never made an account on FTPP. You will be redirected to the registration/login page. You will need to create an account in order to complete the application. To do so, follow the on-screen instructions and register for an account.
  • If you’re a returning user and you have already logged in, you may click on Apply to be redirected to your student dashboard.
  • Once you’re redirected to the student dashboard, this will display all the projects and your submission status. By selecting a project, you can commence or revise your submission.
  • You have the option to save a draft of your application’s progress and submit it at a later time. To do this, simply click on “save draft”.
  • If you already have an FTPP account, you can access your student dashboard by visiting the “PORTAL” section in the navigation menu.

FAQ

Yes. If you are not logged in, you will need to click on “Register / Login”. On the next page, click on “Register”. Please create an account by filling out the needed information and clicking on “Sign Up”. Once you are logged in, you can fill out an application for any of the internships. You can also check your status of completed applications by visiting the student portal from the navigation bar.

No. The SE REU Summer Intern program is only open to those who are enrolled as undergraduates at the time of the internship. Graduating seniors are not eligible unless they have accepted an offer to become graduate students at an FTPP institution.

SE REU does not require a U.S. citizenship.

You can apply directly through our website to one of the REU programs listed above (UAH, ASU, UAB). You do not need to fill out an application on the REU website for each school. The websites are linked to find out more information on each program.

Students submit an online application that includes unofficial transcripts in PDF format from their current college, two reference letters, a short essay, and a resume. Accepted students will be notified by March 2024.

Engaging in additional coursework or employment during the SE REU internship period is strongly discouraged, as students are required to commit to a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday.

No, this internship is only offered to students enrolled at an HBCU. Consider applying to one of our other internships: RIPP, CIPTA, and ISWC.