Undergraduate Opportunities

Camp Starfish Internship

Spring 2025 Undergraduate Research Assistant Position(s) The Changing Tides of Mass Incarceration research project led by Sociology Professor Heather Schoenfeld examines the politics and policies of mass incarceration. The purpose of the research is to understand what has led some states, but not others, to initiate new policies that could reduce imprisonment. We are hiring 1-2 motivated, detail-oriented undergraduate research assistants for Spring semester 2025 for approximately ten hours per week. This is a paid position ($16-18 per hour). 

This is an excellent opportunity for students to engage in social science research and learn about the criminal justice system and policymaking.  Training will be provided. The RA will work with the team to:

• Conduct targeted searches for news articles on databases such as NewsBank.
• Contact legislators, advocates, and elected officials to request interviews.  
• Accurately enter and code statements, events, and legislation in the Changing Tides Database. 
• Identify relevant legislation using state databases and input the information into the Database. 
• Draft memos using data from a variety of sources, including news articles, reports, interviews and legislative history. 
• Update existing news memos to include the latest news on prison reform. 
• Upload relevant documents to Dropbox and Google Drive. 

Qualifications: 

• At least 1 social science methods course.
• Familiarity with the U.S. political system.
• Interest in politics, policy and criminal justice. 
• Availability for in-person weekly meetings.

To apply:

Fill out an application here (https://forms.gle/Dm3puffRmvbmU9AD9) which includes a place to upload a cover letter, writing sample and resume. The cover letter should include a statement of interest and a description of any relevant coursework and/or previous research experience.

Questions can be directed to Professor Schoenfeld at hschoenf@bu.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Start date February 3rd.  

Posted 1/9/25

Call for Applications: NextGenPop Undergraduate Program in Population Research NextGenPop is an undergraduate program in population research that aims to increase the diversity of the population field and nurture the next generation of population scholars. The program includes a 2-week, in-person, on-campus summer experience and subsequent virtual components focused on research and professional development. The Center for Population, Inequality, and Policy at the University of California, Irvine, is hosting the summer 2025 program in Irvine, CA, from June 22 – July 3. Participants receive a $1,000 stipend as well as funds to cover travel and living expenses. Classroom instruction and hands-on applications address contemporary social and policy issues in population research, including race and income inequalities, health disparities, immigration, and family change.

For more information, please visit our website and application page.

🗓️ Application Deadline: February 5, 2025

Posted 11/20/24

Suzanne and Caleb Loring Research Fellowship The Massachusetts Historical Society and the Boston Athenaeum will award one Suzanne and Caleb Loring Fellowship on the Civil War, Its Origins, and Consequences annually. The recipient will conduct research for at least four weeks at each institution between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026. The Athenaeum’s Civil War collections are anchored by its holdings of Confederate states imprints, the largest in the nation, consisting of books, maps, broadsides, sheet music, government documental publications, and other materials organized according to the Parrish & Willingham bibliography. The Society’s manuscript holdings on the Civil War are particularly strong. They include, for instance, diaries, photographs, correspondence from the battlefield and the home front, papers of political leaders, materials on black regiments raised in Massachusetts, and extensive holdings on the U.S. Sanitary Commission. The Athenaeum and the Society are especially interested in projects for which both repositories’ resources are vital. The fellowship carries a stipend of $6,000. Each institution will automatically refer unsuccessful proposals to its short-term fellowship competition.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or already hold the J-1 or F-1 visa (or equivalent documents) AND a U.S. taxpayer identification number. The MHS cannot sponsor visas for researchers. Foreign nationals must consult with MHS staff about their eligibility to receive a stipend before submitting an application.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Assistant Director of Research, Cassie Cloutier (ccloutier@masshist.org), with any additional questions or concerns.

🗓️ Application Deadline: February 15, 2025, 11:59 PM EST

Posted 01/22/25

2025 Italia Innovation Program Curious about the future of Made in Italy top brands in the fashion, food and wine, design, and automotive industries? Step Inside Italy’s Most Iconic Companies Join a unique opportunity for international graduate and undergraduate students to go behind the scenes of Italy’s most iconic companies, witnessing firsthand their productions, engaging directly with the C-level executives and entrepreneurs behind the success of these world-renowned brands.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Internship Program The mission of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Internship Program is to provide equitable and meaningful temporary workplace-based learning experiences guided by staff mentors across a broad range of museum career fields to support the academic and professional goals of future museum leaders and advocates.

Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture offer undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates and career changers opportunities to work closely with professionals and scholars in the museum field. The museum provides a dynamic learning environment and access to supportive mentors that help interns reach their educational and professional goals. Interns can gain practical museum skills and program development experience in a variety of traditional and non-traditional museum careers.

Internships are available as full-time (30-40 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less) positions from 10 to 13 weeks throughout the year with the possibility for an extension. Start dates and duration may be flexible and arranged with approval from the mentor.

🗓️ Application Deadlines:

• Summer Internships (June-August): February 15th
• Fall Internships (September-December): June 15th

Posted 9/11/24

Carter Center Internships Carter Center internships are a paid opportunity. Fall and spring sessions are 15 weeks long with a stipend of $5,100; our summer session is 10 weeks long with a stipend of $3,400. Interns work 20 hours per week.

There are no citizenship requirements for interns. However, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. International students enrolled in U.S.-based colleges or universities are eligible with approval from your host institution.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and unsure if you are authorized to intern in the United States, please email EducationalPrograms@CarterCenter.org to check eligibility.

Internships are available through a number of programs and offices within three broad areas of The Carter Center.

Peace Programs

The Carter Center’s peace programs strengthen freedom, democracy, and access to information in nations worldwide, securing for people the political and civil rights that are the foundation of just and peaceful societies. Learn more >

Health Programs

The Carter Center’s health programs fill vacuums in global health, helping to prevent needless suffering and build hope for millions of the world’s poorest people. Learn more >

Operations

An essential element of the Carter Center’s work is the operational area, which acts as a partner with the staff in the peace and health programs. Learn more >

🗓️ Application Deadline: Summer 2025
Application Opens: Early January 2025
Applications Deadline: March 3, 2025
Start dates: May 20 or May 27, 2025

Posted 01/29/25

NEW Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is now accepting applications for Summer 2025! The deadline to apply is Friday, March 7 at 12:00 PM.

Virtual Information Session

Want to learn more about UROP and the application process? Join us for a virtual information session on Wednesday, February 5, at 4:00 PM. We’ll provide an overview of funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and key deadlines, followed by a Q&A session. 

Summer 2025 Funding Opportunities

Students may apply for the following funding options:

• Faculty Matching Grant (FMG): Funding is shared equally between UROP and the faculty mentor’s research funds.
• Student Research Award (SRA): Fully funded by UROP.
• Humanities, Arts, and Preprofessional (HAP) Scholars: Stipend-based funding for students conducting research in arts, humanities, and select preprofessional fields. (Extended deadline: April 17, 2025).

Visit www.bu.edu/urop for detailed information on eligibility, funding descriptions, and the application process. We strongly recommend that faculty and students review all requirements before applying. Ineligible applications will not be considered for funding.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Faculty mentors must submit letters of recommendation by Friday, March 7, at 11:59 PM.

Posted 02/3/25

NEW IOC Undergraduate Summer Internships for BU Students 

City of Boston: Equity & Inclusion Cabinet

In partnership with the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, the IOC internship with the City of Boston’s Equity and Inclusion Cabinet is the successor to a longstanding partnership with what was formerly known as the Mayor’s Office of Resilience & Racial Equity (MORRE). It awards one BU undergraduate student the opportunity to spend the summer working directly with the City of Boston Equity and Inclusion Cabinet on racial justice policy, research, and programming.  Learn more.

City of Boston: Office of Climate Resilience

The IOC internship with the City of Boston’s Office of Climate Resilience in City Hall awards one BU undergraduate student the opportunity to spend the summer working to support the City of Boston’s resiliency efforts. In 2025, this intern will primarily work on communications and graphic design. Learn more. 

City of Boston: Planning Advisory Council

This new undergraduate summer internship will award one BU undergraduate student the opportunity to spend the summer working at Boston City Hall with the Planning Advisory Council. This dynamic role will touch on many areas of government and is a good fit for a student who is eager to learn about how local government can work more effectively across policy and implementation silos to address challenges and pursue equity in the built environment. Learn more. 

🗓️ Application Deadline: Applications for our 2025 undergraduate summer internships are due on March 10, 2025. Make sure to plan ahead, as this deadline is during BU Spring Break.

Posted 02/7/25

NEW Clough Center Student Fellows & Faculty Affiliates The Clough Center is delighted to invite applications from Boston College students for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Please click here for information about Clough Center Fellowships, including our new Junior Fellows program for undergraduates, and faculty affiliation.

All Boston College faculty whose work touches on the center’s next annual theme of “Democratic Resilience” are invited, and encouraged, to inquire about joining as a Faculty Affiliate in the 2025-26 academic year. See For further information, and/or to communicate your interest, please write to us directly at clough.center@bc.edu.

🗓️ Application Deadline: March 17, 2025.

Posted 02/6/25

BU Inclusion Catalyst Grants Sparking Community Inclusion Catalyst Grants support collaborative and creative programs and initiatives that generate learning and stimulate efforts that foster inclusive and equitable communities at Boston University. The Inclusion Catalyst Grants program provides up to $1,000 to Boston University students, faculty, and staff who require financial support to realize their creative programs and initiatives fully.

How to Apply

Please complete the form below to request partnership on programming for the ’24-’25 academic year.

🗓️ Application Deadline: on a rolling basis until Friday, May 2, 2025.

All funds must be used by May 31, 2025.

Posted 10/4/24

Professional Clothing Closet. Students can now easily access high-quality, professional attire for interviews, networking, and career-related events. This unique resource provides a personalized style experience to help them look and feel their best as they enter their careers.

How it works:

1. Students create an online account with our partner
2. Enter their size and shipping information
3. Meet with a personal stylist
4. Within 5-7 business days their professional clothing ships to their door!

Each box contains six items for a 30-day rental. Students also have the option to purchase pieces at up to 60% off retail. Rentals cost $60 per month, with need-based subsidies available.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Career Development and the Newbury Center, the Professional Clothing Closet is ready to help students dress for success. Encourage them to take advantage of this fantastic resource today!

The Professional Clothing Closet relies on the generosity of the BU community and beyond. Donors are invited to contribute to this initiative to help provide subsidized access to professional clothing for BU students who need it. Every donation makes a difference.

Forage. Students can access free, real-world online projects backed by top employers like JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Accenture, BCG, Deloitte, General Electric, and more. With no application process or interviews required, students can dive into hands-on experiences that enhance their skills in real-world scenarios.

Students will earn a certificate for each completed project, which they can proudly display on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Completing these programs doubles their chances of securing a job with the company!

Encourage students to explore Forage and take the first step toward valuable career experience!

BU Crowdfunding Application

If you have reviewed the Crowdfunding Policy and believe BU Crowdfunding is right for your project, please submit an application below. The Application Details section provides an outline of what is needed to submit a project.

Need more info before applying? Review the posts in our application phase category for helpful resources before submitting a project.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

The Global Engagement Summit

The Global Engagement Summit is an entirely student-run social entrepreneurship conference held annually in Evanston, IL, on Northwestern’s campus. GES brings together trailblazers from all over the world to collaborate, learn about social entrepreneurship from distinguished mentors and speakers, and ultimately further their own social entrepreneurship projects. Past summits have drawn delegates from 20 different countries and have featured keynote speakers such as David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation, Nobel Laureate, Nadia Murad, and Betsy Ziegler, CEO of top non-profit incubator 1871 Chicago.

Prospective delegates, individuals aged 18-26, apply to GES with their own unique social entrepreneurship projects. Projects can address any social issue that the applicant finds pressing and important, and can vary in scale, scope, and stage. Programming at the Summit is aimed at facilitating the growth and development of their projects, and the Summit culminates in a pitch competition.

We invite any young changemakers to apply to be a delegate in the 2025 Summit, to be held on April 23rd through 27th, 2025. This is a great opportunity for people interested in civic engagement, business, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, The Global Engagement Summit is an incredible way to travel to the United States and connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe. We are proud to offer financial aid to help cover the costs of transportation and logistics for accepted delegates.

🗓️ Apply HERE

Posted 9/23/24

Boston University’s Professional Clothing Closet (PCC) is undergoing an exciting transformation to a “lending library” model at our new location on the 6th floor of 100 Bay State Road. Please note that the PCC will not be open at the start of the fall semester.

Key Updates:

• New Focus: Suits and other business formal attire
• New Location: 6th floor of 100 Bay State Road
• New Hours: Monday through Friday, 11am–5pm

This new approach promotes sustainability and integrates closely with CCD services. You can support the PCC by making a financial donation or purchasing items from our Amazon wish list. Your generosity ensures BU students have the professional attire they need to succeed. Thank you for your support. Stay tuned for more details about the PCC’s grand opening in October! For questions, contact closet@bu.edu.

Minority Access’ National Diversity & Inclusion Internship Program (Paid) The Minority Access National Internship Program is designed to allow talented undergraduate and graduate students experience the diversity and scope of career opportunities available in the federal, state and local government and participating private business entities. The program allows students to merge academic theory with the experience they are learning in the workplace. Minority Access interns receive pre-employment training, financial management and professional development, and recognition for fulfilling the program’s requirements.

Funding Information: $15.50 – $19.50 hr.

🗓️ Application Deadlines: Rolling, December, March & July 1st.

Teagle Foundation Education for American Civic Life The program supports efforts to prepare students to become informed and engaged participants in the civic life of their local and national communities. The funder seeks to elevate the civic objectives of liberal arts education by partnering with institutions offering bold and coherent initiatives that endow students with the content, skills, and sensibility to participate in a political system designed for self-governance.

The program is focused on funding in two particular areas:
(1) anchoring significant questions in democratic thought in local history and community and
(2) strengthening preparation for public service.

Funding: up to $300,000 over up to 3 years

Proposals for planning grants in the range of $25,000 over 6-12 months are strongly encouraged.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling – Concept papers for this initiative will be reviewed three times per year with submissions due by December 1, March 1, and August 1.

Details: https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/RFPs/Education-for-American-Civic-Life-RFP

Free Mental Health Screening The Chief Health Office, in collaboration with Student Health Services and Employee Wellness, invite students, staff, and faculty to take a free, on-line, mental health screening. This depression and anxiety screening takes just two minutes to complete. We encourage you to take the anonymous online screening that shares feedback and resources. Take the online screening. 

UROP Travel & Supplies Award Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) applications for supplies and travel awards are now accepted and reviewed.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Rewriting the Code (RTC) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to disrupting gender and racial inequity in tech. By connecting, equipping, and empowering undergraduate, graduate, and early-career women in tech, RTC is unapologetically making space for women to enter and thrive in the tech industry. The community is virtual and operates through Slack and regional in-person events. Membership is free, as are all of the amazing resources and opportunities RTC provides. Sign up today to take advantage of this women-focused network with over 18,000 members across 110+ countries, prioritized career opportunities with 50+ tech companies, and, most importantly, the sense of pride, representation, and belonging. Contact info@rewritingthecode.org with any questions!

BUild Lab Innovation Pathway Support & Funding The Innovation Pathway (IP) is a self-paced program that fosters and supports all forms of innovation created by current Boston University students from any school and college, as well as BU alumni within one year of graduation. Whether you want to launch a new business or nonprofit, or dream of creating a community event or campus initiative, this self-paced program provides the inspiration, resources, and opportunities needed to develop new ventures or projects. Submit your application before the 25th of each month in order to be considered for the next month’s round of interviews.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling – (Note: the early application deadline is the 20th of each month and is filled on a first come first serve basis).

Institute on Culture, Religion, & World Affairs (CURA). Travel grants of up to $500 are provided to Boston University students who wish to travel outside of Boston for a conference or to conduct research on a subject related to CURA’s mission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.To Apply: Send an explanation of the purpose of the travel, along with a budget for the trip, your current CV, and an email from a professor approving the plans to Assistant Director Arlene Brennan.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Jewish Cultural Endowment (JCE) supports Jewish cultural programs across the University, sponsoring lectures, conferences, literary events, curricular enhancement, and artistic performances and exhibitions. Its mission is to foster an appreciation of Jewish culture in all its richness and diversity. The JCE invites grant proposals from individuals (faculty, students, and staff) with access to a BU program administration that will be responsible for planning, promoting and executing the event. JCE funded events must take place on the BU campus and should directly benefit the BU community.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling – There are three submission deadlines each year in February, May and October.

Sociology Undergraduate Mentoring Program. Are you a sociology graduate student looking for a mentor? Or a graduate student hoping to become a mentee? The BU Sociology department is launching a mentoring pilot program in January 2022.  For more info, visit the Department of Sociology’s Mentoring Program website.

Peer Writing Support program Writing a paper in Sociology? Work with Sociology Peer Writing Support to talk through your writing assignment, to work on your thesis, evidence or organization, or simply to get another set of eyes on your paper! From brainstorming to making those final edits, our tutors are available to help.

Peer writing support for all Sociology students will now be in the conference room (251A) in our department’s Maxwell T. Robidoux Collaboration Lounge at 100 Cummington Mall. Please schedule with the link above. We encourage students to share the assignment prompt with the writing tutor and to make sure  they are clear about what specific writing issues or subject knowledge where they need help.

Sociology Peer Writing Support is funded by a gift from Jennifer Simpson (CAS 2000). For more information about the program, visit Tutoring Writing in the Disciplines.

Blackboard Ally is now automatically enabled for new Blackboard courses. Ally is BU’s new tool supporting inclusion and accessibility, which allows students to download course materials in alternative formats like audio, HTML, and electronic braille. Ally includes a dashboard showing instructors how accessible content is, which is only visible to the instructor and serves to offer guidance for improving accessibility and inclusion (you can opt out via the TechWeb form here). Learn more about Ally on TechWeb and in trainings.

Anthropology

Anthropology in the Works is a student-run group that is an inclusive, collaborative, creative space for students to explore anthropology and is open to any student interested in learning more about the discipline. We work to increase the understanding and appreciation of anthropology and to dispel claims that it is not “real” science. We are dedicated to learning more about the traditions and customs of different cultures by hosting and participating in events around campus and across the Boston area. Anthropology in the Works connects undergraduate students with faculty and graduate students and contributes to the community within the Anthropology Department. We do this through planning excursions, discussions, presentations, and celebrations attended by various members of the community. For more information, contact the Executive Board at aitw@bu.edu. 

Archaeology

BU Undergraduate Archaeology Society who’s mission is to discuss, learn, and promote awareness about Archaeology and related fields such as Anthropology, Cultural Heritage, and History. To join, send an e-mail to archsoc@bu.edu.

Phi Beta Kappa Only students at a college or university may be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Membership is invitation-only and contingent upon fulfillment of minimum requirements. Chapters are expected to determine the specific application of standards stated in these stipulations. If you have questions on your eligibility, please contact your chapter officer.

Economics

Graduate Economics Association (GEA) assists students in the Economics graduate program and provides peer resources on a variety of topics. The GEA can be contacted at mailgea@bu.edu.

History

Undergraduate History Association (UHA) The UHA is an organization for history concentrators and other students interested in the study of history. Activities include discussions, lectures, museum trips, and an annual undergraduate history conference. Members also assist at events designed for prospective history majors. To join the UHA, send an e-mail to the BU chapter email at uha@bu.edu.

Phi Alpha Theta – Delta Mu Chapter, the national history honor society, was established at Boston University in 1952. Membership is open to undergraduates and graduates concentrating in history. Eligibility for undergraduates is based primarily on high scholastic achievement in all subjects and especially in the field of concentration. The faculty advisor for the BU chapter is Professor James Johnson (jhj@bu.edu).

Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA) is an organization for political science majors/minors and other students interested in the study of political science. The group hosts a variety of events including discussions, lectures, group outings, and alumni engagement. Members also assist at events designed for prospective political science majors. To learn more, students can email upsa@bu.edu.

Pi Sigma Alpha – Gamma Xi Chapter, the national political science honor society, was established at Boston University in 1956. Membership is open to undergraduates majoring in political science or international relations. Eligibility for undergraduates is based primarily on high scholastic achievement in all subjects and especially in the field of concentration. For more information about the society, students can email poadvise@bu.edu.

Sociology

Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA) aims to foster community among BU undergraduate Sociology students by hosting events that cultivate a greater sense of togetherness among the BU Sociology community. These events will connect undergraduate Sociology students through conversations about ideas learned in the classroom and from lived experience. BUUSA supports undergraduate Sociology students in their post-graduation plans through events that engage faculty, alumni, and various professional organizations to inform students about their various career options like the Professor Perspectives series and the grad student panels. BUUSA will also offer fun social events including ice skating nights, documentary screenings, game nights, and professor perspective talks. Lastly, BUUSA aims to give back to the greater Boston community by engaging in community service events.

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Alianza Latina is Boston University’s largest Latinx student organization dedicated to providing programming that fosters community and encourages students to learn more about Latinx culture and identity, regardless of their own race or ethnicity. We implement weekly cultural, social, and professional meetings as well as community service events on and off campus. For more information, email them at alianzal@bu.edu.

Alpha Phi Omega is the gender-inclusive community service fraternity at Boston University. They aim to establish a space for our members to build a diverse community right here on campus and with the city of Boston. APO partners with numerous community partners, such as the American Red Cross Food Pantry, Women’s Lunch Place, and the Boston Bruins Foundation, to help support this city we call home. There’s definitely an opportunity to get involved with any issue or social justice area you’re passionate about.