STR Program

Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR):
Council on Undergraduate Research’s Advocacy Program

This 6-month program kicks off in October 2023 and Ends in April 2024

The STR Program was developed as an expanded and enhanced program to replace Posters on the Hill and REU Symposium while drawing on their successes. This program will broaden participation allowing for engagement from students at varied stages of the undergraduate research process. Participants will learn valuable skills in communicating the impact of their undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry experience to a variety of audience members and stakeholders. 

Submissions for the 2023-24 Program closed on September 7, 2023.

Affiliation with CUR*Team of TwoTeam of ThreeTeam of Four
Member$570$810$1020
Non-Member$630$895$1128
  • Registration will close on October 3, 2023. 
  • * Membership for the team is based on the membership status of the mentor or campus representative.
  • This individual will be responsible for registering the team if the team is accepted. 

Have a person from your campus (e.g. a government relations staff member, etc.) who would like to join your team for the onsite training portion in Washington, DC in November? Register below for $50.

Who – Requirements for a STR Program Attendee: This program will provide an opportunity for institutional teams to apply. Teams must consist of a campus representative team lead – faculty or mentor – and up to three undergraduate research students who are currently enrolled in or have previously completed an undergraduate research experience. Each team member will be involved in all aspects of the training provided. There is no need for each member of the team to share disciplines, however, each team member must choose a discipline they are individually representing when applying. 

What – Details about the Program: The STR Program serves as a six-month professional development opportunity for undergraduate students and faculty/mentors interested in garnering communication and advocacy skills to leverage the impact of their undergraduate research experience by conveying their story to stakeholder groups such as funding agencies, association partners, elected officials, future employers, community, and beyond. The cost of the program is broken down below. This includes the required October online kick-off training and the required November in-person program, however, travel and lodging are an additional expense. 

Why – Importance of the Program: This expanded format will allow for participants to extend their reach beyond Capitol Hill, elected officials, and event attendees. Accepted teams will engage during the fall at an in-person skill development, advocacy training, and networking event, participate in virtual skill development and discussion sessions throughout the year, and become part of CUR’s advocacy ambassadors to be called upon to meet with elected officials, write op-eds/blog posts, etc. At the conclusion of the program, CUR’s community will join in the celebration of our program graduates during a spring capstone presentation activity.

When – Important Dates to Note: This program will kick off online for a virtual orientation and kick-off workshop on October 13 and October 26, 2023. The virtual kick-off will then be followed by an in-person meeting and congressional meetings over November 5-6, 2023. Submissions will be due on or before September 7, 2023. Notifications will be sent out by September 15, 2023. After the initial in-person training, there will be various check-in points and a Virtual Spring Showcase happening up until April 2024. Please see further details in the Deadlines Locations chart below.

Where – Locations to Note: This program will be available at multiple different locations, both in-person and virtually. Please note the dates and locations listed in the Deadlines Locations chart below.

Deadlines Locations Chart

ActivityLocationDeadline
Kick-off Orientation: Getting Inspired, Setting GoalsOnlineOctober 13, 2023
2:30 – 4:00 PM ET
Virtual Workshop: Connecting + Building Relationships with PolicymakersOnlineOctober 26, 2023
2:30 – 4:30 PM ET
In-Person Training + Congressional Meetings
(Required)
Washington, DC
(Hotel information provided below)
November 5 | 12:00 – 6:00 PM ET
November 6 | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM ET
Training: Engaging with Government AgenciesOnline December 1, 2023
2:30 – 3:30 PM ET
Training: Media Interviews + Building Relationships with ReportersOnlineJanuary 26, 2024
2:30 – 4:00 PM ET
Training: Op-ed Writing + PitchingOnlineFebruary 23, 2024
2:30 – 4:00 PM ET
Training: Policy Brief Writing WorkshopOnlineMarch 29, 2024
2:30 – 4:00 PM ET
Spring Showcase Participant MaterialsOnlineMarch 2024
Spring Online ShowcaseOnlineApril 25, 2024

REQUIRED NOVEMBER IN-PERSON TRAINING INFORMATION

Location of MeetingHousing Information
AGU Conference Center
2000 Florida Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 483-3000

A Special Congratulations to our 2022-23 STR Program Class!


FAQs

For questions, event information, etc. please email CUR@CUR.org.
Please review our Events Policies and Procedures.