Humanities EXPLORE Program

Humanities EXPLORE Fellows hold paid positions on faculty-led research projects in the division. Faculty apply to the program and mentor undergraduate students each academic year if selected. Researchers are selected for projects that align with their skills and academic expertise. They are hired, earn $18-$22/hour, and are expected to contribute at least 100 hours per quarter to the project. The EXPLORE program empowers undergraduate researchers to actively engage with support networks (faculty mentors, staff, peers, and resources) and achieve goals to grow as researchers. The EXPLORE program actively encourages transfer student participation, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring to academic research. This program provides a valuable opportunity for transfer students to apply their existing skills while gaining hands-on research experience at UCSC.

EXPLORE Program Goals:

1. You will practice reflecting on the research process and its impact on personal, academic, and career goals.
2. You will nurture transferable career-ready skills that prepare them to be socially just leaders in academic, professional, and community-engaged settings.
3. You will cultivate a research support network, including faculty mentors, staff, peers, and resources.

Learning Outcomes:

1. You will identify two career-ready skills to focus on throughout your research experience. You will be able to self-assess your abilities within these two skills. 
2. You will be able to produce an effective resume and cover letter that capture your research experience. 

Currently Open Applications

• EXPLORE Undergraduate Research Fellowship with Literature Professor Sean Keilen, 2024-2025
• EXPLORE Undergraduate Research Fellowship with Professor Mark Amendgual, 2024-2025

Get Involved - Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a currently enrolled UCSC student with a declared major or minor in the Humanities Division. Or, you are a proposed major or minor in the declaration process, are in progress with coursework, and you plan to declare by the end of the current academic year, (see the list below).
• You are in good academic standing (GPA 2.0 or higher).
• You are enrolled throughout the entire length of the experiential learning opportunity.

Humanities Majors:

Browse Past Research Opportunities

The Mellon Foundation, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, The Humanities Institute, and the UCSC Humanities Division generously support the Humanities EXCEL and EXPLORE Program.