National REU Programs for Summer Research

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (or REUs) are competitive summer research programs in the United States for undergraduates studying math or science. The programs receive funding from the National Science Foundation, but they are run and hosted by professors at various schools throughout the U.S. An REU typically accepts between 8 and 12 students. These participants travel to the host institution to work on a supervised research project for approximately 10 weeks. Typically the program pays for transportation to and from the host institution, provides housing and food during the program, and pays a small stipend (usually around $5,000--$10,000 for 10 weeks of work). Each student is associated with a specific research project, and works under close guidance and supervision of faculty. Students may work together in groups or on individual research projects. REUs are among the most prestigious summer programs that an undergraduate can participate in.

Since the program is funded by the NSF, undergraduates must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Applications are typically due between February and March. The length of the application ranges from a single letter of reference without supporting materials all the way up to something comparable to a college admissions application. The programs generally require between one and three letters of reference, a transcript, 0-2 essays, a letter of interest, a resume, a biographical form, or some combination thereof. Although all eligible students are encouraged to apply, there is an emphasis on including populations under-represented in science, such as women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities.

See the article Is an REU for You? for more detailed information on REUs in Mathematics.
Here is the NSF list of all REUs in Mathematics with links to the individual REU program websites, which containing application instructions. You can also search on the NSF website for REUs to obtain the same information.
The The Math Alliance also maintains a list of affiliated REU programs that encourage applications from minority students.

REU programs require you to be an undergraduate student at the time you participate. This means you cannot participate in an REU the summer after you graduate from college. The following are programs that accept students who have just graduated from college and are planning to go to graduate school.

Park City Math Institute
PCMI is a 3-week mathematics program held at Park City, Utah. The program includes groups consisting of mathematics educators, undergraduate students, graduate students, and mathematics researchers. These groups participate simultaneously, pursuing both individual courses of study and a meaningful amount of interaction. The rich mathematical experience combined with interaction among all participants results in greatly increased understanding and awareness of the issues confronting mathematics and mathematics education today.
Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE)
The EDGE Program was launched in 1998 by Bryn Mawr and Spelman Colleges, with the goal of strengthening the ability of women students to successfully complete graduate programs in the mathematical sciences, with particular inclusion of women from under-represented groups.

Back