Summer Research Institute (for Undergrads)

Seminar

Participating in the Summer Research Institute offers the unique ability to get course credits for research in our Integrating Research Methods into K–12 Teaching in Mathematics & Science (EDSTEM 189) Seminar

  • Schedule: Weekly sessions, four hours each.
  • Course Focus: SRI participants explore ways to integrate research techniques and skills into lessons for K–12 math and science classrooms. The course explores lesson planning and successful teaching methods through engaging demonstrations and emphasizes collaborative review and revision of lesson components.
  • Academic Alignment: EDSTEM 189 satisfies the research methods component of the CalTeach minor, and enrollment in the seminar is only possible once a lab placement has been secured and you are accepted into the program.
  • Enrollment: Please do not enroll in the course without already being accepted into the program.

Research

Summer Research Institute students work closely with cutting-edge research groups using aritifical intelligence tools and data science techniques. Participants may be paired with a local STEM Teacher and together support the ongoing work of their faculty or post-doc research mentor. Our team works diligently with applicants to find placements that match their interests among the diverse research activities at Berkeley.

Placements cover a wide variety of research disciplines; including Earth and Planetary Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering and other Engineering Departments, Physics, and Integrative Biology.

It is estimated that full-time participants will spend 36-40 hours per week in their lab or research group. The research experience culminates with a poster presentation highlighting the work conducted over the summer. Examples of past research can be found here (link is external). Full-time participants will not be able to enroll in other coursework or have other employment during the program. However, part-time placements may be available if you require more flexibility in your summer schedule.

For Summer 2025, stipend amounts will vary from $3,000 for part-time participants, to $7,500 for full-time placements. 

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a CalTeach undergraduate student at UC Berkeley or UC Merced to apply.

For federal funding, must be a U.S. Citizen, National or Legal Resident to apply.

For state and other funding, it is possible to apply for a part-time placement with SRI as an Undocumented or International Student. 

How to Apply

The Summer Institute is open to UC Berkeley and UC Merced undergraduates interested in a career in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

  • The Summer Research Institute Program runs from June 23 - August 15, 2025
  • Application Deadlines (Priority - March 1, 2025; Final - May 20, 2025)
  • Apply using this form!

As part of the application we ask for several short essay responses, an updated resume, and two letters of recommendation. Your application and resume  should be submitted via Google form. Your letters or recommendation should be emailed directly to sri_calteach@berkeley.edu.

For any questions regarding the program, please contact sri_calteach@berkeley.edu.