The Research for Aspiring Coogs in the Humanities (REACH) Program at the University of Houston started as a collaborative effort supported by the Cougar Initiative to Engage and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards. REACH will provide a year-long introductory research experience for students in humanities disciplines by connecting participants to existing undergraduate research projects at the University of Houston. From projects in collaboration with UH Libraries Special Collections, to the digital humanities, to individual faculty research projects in humanities disciplines, the REACH program provides an entry-point to hands-on scholarly inquiry. Check out the exciting projects below!
REACH participants will develop their research skills through their work on a mentored research project and through their participation in OURMA undergraduate research programming. Students work closely with the project mentor to contribute to the existing project from October through May. Students will also learn how to apply for future research opportunities such as SURF, PURS and the Mellon Research Scholars Program. REACH participants receive a $1,500 scholarship split between the fall and spring semesters in the program and three points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation.
The 2024-2025 REACH application deadline has passed. For any questions or more information, contact Dr. Rikki Bettinger (rrbettin@central.uh.edu)
REACH Spotlights
REACH Scholar Curated Zindler Exhibit
REACH Scholar Valeria González Featured in Provost Profiles
Exhibit Highlights the Genesis of UH African American Studies
New Exhibit Features Houston GLBT Political Caucus
UH Students Documenting U.S. Latino Experience Through Research, Archival Initiative
University of Houston Launches a New Undergraduate Research Program
Learn More About the REACH Program
About the Program
REACH will provide a year-long introductory research experience for students in humanities disciplines by connecting participants to existing undergraduate research projects at the University of Houston. REACH participants will develop their research skills through their work on a mentored research project and through their participation in OURMA undergraduate research programming. Students will also learn how to apply for future research opportunities such as SURF, PURS and the Mellon Research Scholars Program. REACH participants receive a $1,500 scholarship split between the fall and spring semesters in the program.
Eligibility
- Sophomore, junior, senior and transfer students at UH main campus enrolled for the entire academic year they apply.
- Pursuing a major in the humanities (qualitative CLASS and ARTS majors)
- Students outside of a humanities major but pursuing a minor in a humanities-related discipline will need to articulate how research in the selected subject area will play an integral role in their future trajectory.
- Are interested in contributing to one of the projects facilitated by our campus partners (no prior research experience required).
- Students should be in good academic standing.
Project Selection
When students apply to the REACH program, they are asked to identify projects they would be interested in working on and why. Selection for the REACH program aims to match campus partner needs with student interests. To find descriptions of REACH projects, go to our Current Projects page. For descriptions of previous REACH projects, go to our Past Projects page.
Expectations/Workload
Selected students will be expected to:
- Devote a minimum of 6-7 hours of research activity per week for the academic year
- Contribute directly to the existing research project and produce a research project deliverable by the end of the academic year in coordination with the project mentor
- Attend OURMA Undergraduate Research webinars and bi-monthly check-ins
- Complete pre- and post-surveys
- Present their research findings through a research poster at UH Undergraduate Research Day
HCCE Points
REACH participants will receive 3 points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement (HCCE) transcript designation. The HCCE transcript designation is awarded to students upon graduation who pursue a broad range of experiential learning opportunities from freshman to senior year. Students can pursue undergraduate research, internships, learning away and abroad, service learning, leadership experience and other academic enrichment opportunities.
Questions
Please contact Dr. Rikki Bettinger in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards if you have any questions or if you require additional information.
Interested but Not Yet Eligible?
No problem! Consider applying for the REACH program the following year. We encourage you to reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards to get started in undergraduate research.