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Build Learning through Inquiry in the Social Sciences (BLISS)

BLISS

DEADLINE: Monday, February 26, 2024 at 12:00PM ET - EXTENDED

SUMMER 2024 DATES: TBD - Likely Monday, June 3, through Thursday, August 8. Participants must commit to the full ten weeks of the program. 
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS: https://socialscience.fas.harvard.edu/programs/bliss-build-learning-thro...

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The Harvard College BLISS program was launched in summer 2011, at the recommendation of the FAS Deans of Social Science and of Harvard College, with the goal of promoting community, creativity, and academic excellence among a small cohort of motivated Harvard undergraduates in the social sciences. Each summer a diverse cohort of BLISS fellows works on Harvard faculty-mentored research projects, and lives in one of the Harvard College houses with the other fellows in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV). In addition to conducting full-time research, BLISS fellows participate in a rich variety of programming, including both social and academic activities. To participate, undergrads in good standing must apply and be selected to work on one of the designated BLISS research projects.

COMPONENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:

Program benefits and financial support are meant to enable BLISS Fellows to form a close-knit community with each other and with the other HSURV students. Therefore, fellows are expected to participate and contribute to the community of scholars by attending the lunchtime and evening enrichment activities throughout the duration of the Program. While many weekend social activities are voluntary, the academic and professional development activities are required for all fellows.

BLISS consists of the following components:

  • Research experience: The intent of the program is to provide a ten-week formative and substantive full-time research experience on a Harvard faculty-guided social science project (selected from an array of BLISS-designated research projects on the application).
  • Residential and financial support: Housing and full board are provided. A $3000 stipend will be paid over two installments to cover other expenses.
  • Research/academic development programming: Each week we will host (mandatory) lunchtime and/or evening academic and professional development programming, including lectures and discussions with distinguished faculty and professionals in a wide variety of fields; practical seminars; and research presentation sessions at the conclusion of the summer.
  • Recreational and social programs: BLISS Fellows are eligible to register for free use of Harvard athletic facilities (including the Malkin Athletic Center, Hemenway Gymnasium, and Blodgett Pool). A calendar of activities will include a range of opportunities to socialize and take advantage of Boston's cultural and recreational summer offerings, including a variety of excursions, Red Sox games, and fellow-initiated community events funded by URAF.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applicants must:

  • Be continuing Harvard College undergraduate students in good standing;
  • Be able to commit full-time (~40 hours/week) for the entire 10 weeks of the on-campus research program;
  • Agree to reside in assigned on-campus housing for the full duration of the program;
  • Agree to accept funding for only one Harvard-funded summer experience, per the Harvard College Summer Funding Policy.

Note that:

  • Preference will be given to individuals who have not yet participated in an HSURV program (e.g., PRISE, SPUDS, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SPUDS, or SURGH).
  • Individuals taking summer school courses, preparing for the summer graduate school exams, working other jobs, or engaging in high-commitment public service projects are not eligible to participate in BLISS.

Selection will be based on applicant responses to the essay questions and recommender evaluations indicating that the applicant is strongly suited for a successful summer enrichment experience. A successful application will demonstrate the following:

  1. A strong dedication to developing or furthering academic interest and scholarly excellence in social science research;
  2. An eagerness to conduct research in one (or more) of the designated projects, and articulation of how that experience would enhance the applicant’s current academic goals and long-term post-graduation pursuits;
  3. The ability and desire to engage profoundly and enthusiastically in a diverse residential community of scholars, and the likelihood of benefiting from this participation;

An academic record demonstrating success in coursework relevant to the applicant’s preferred projects’ prerequisites (some projects do not require extensive prior coursework).

Download URAF Applications

See also: First-Year, Sophomore, Junior, International Students, US Citizen, US Permanent Resident, Undocumented/DACA, Opportunities, Faculty, Student, Social Sciences, Harvard, Research, Summer

FAQs

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is BLISS open to non-Harvard undergraduates?
No. At this time only enrolled Harvard College students (in good standing) are eligible.

Is BLISS limited to applicants concentrating in the social sciences?
No; we accept applications from concentrators in any academic field, and in particular can envision fruitful pairings between social science faculty and students in fields like computer science, applied math, linguistics, statistics, human evolutionary biology, and so forth. However, BLISS applicants in non-social science concentrations must demonstrate how such cross-disciplinary research will contribute to their development as scholars.

 

Can I apply to BLISS if I have completed advanced coursework or already have undertaken a research experience in the social sciences?
Yes. BLISS has been designed to establish and cultivate a diverse community of scholars in the social sciences. Any continuing Harvard undergraduate is eligible as long they are committed to participating in the program and to conducting research in one of the BLISS-affiliated research projects. Note that preference will be given to individuals who have not yet participated in an HSURV program (e.g., PRISE, BLISS, PRIMO, SHARP, SPUDs or SURGH).

 

Can I apply to BLISS if I'm an engineering concentrator who has done only one semester of social science coursework?
Yes. Any continuing Harvard undergraduate is eligible as long they are committed to performing social science research. Of course, your application would have to explain why you seek  research experience outside of your concentration, as well as how you relate the BLISS experience to your long-term academic and/or professional trajectory.

 

How important is academic achievement?
BLISS seeks to attract all undergraduates who are motivated to pursue social science research during the summer. Students must be in good academic standing and, as applicable, have taken coursework and/or had experience that would prepare them for the research projects they are interested in (some projects have prerequisites and some do not). The Program will draw from an academically diverse population. Individuals who have a demonstrated keen interest in the social sciences but have not yet had an opportunity to experience research are encouraged to apply.

 

Is financial need a factor in selecting BLISS Fellows?
Selection of BLISS Fellows will be need-blind. Financial aid recipients are encouraged to apply.

Will BLISS help me get into graduate school?
Clearly, we cannot guarantee that BLISS will have any impact on graduate school admissions. However, BLISS Fellows will benefit from the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary network of peers, and develop close interaction and working relationships with faculty. Many undergraduates do not have the opportunity to participate in this kind of community until much later in their careers. In addition, prominent faculty will participate in activities with the Fellows throughout the Program and may serve as future mentors.

 

Where can I do my research and participate in BLISS?
BLISS applicants must apply to one of the current year’s faculty-initiated research projects. Applicants are encouraged to indicate up to three choices. To the extent possible, individuals selected to participate in BLISS will be paired with their first-choice preferences.

Are there any limitations to the kind of research I can do and still be eligible for BLISS?
You may only participate in one of the BLISS-designated research projects.

Can I get housing but not participate in the lunchtime and evening activities?
No. Since a key component of BLISS is contribution to the community and professional development, participants must be willing and available to attend enrichment activities and events.

 

May I live off-campus?
No. All participants will live together in one of the River Houses.

What do you mean by “contribute to, and benefit from, the BLISS and greater Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village residential community”?
The residential community means much more than free housing and food for the summer. Throughout the ten weeks there will be numerous opportunities to engage with your fellow students socially, intellectually, emotionally, academically. The community includes undergraduates pursuing research in numerous fields, from Linguistics to Astrophysics, from Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies to African & African American Studies, and everything in between. Why would being part of this community be important to you, and what do you bring to it? (Examples of current or past community engagement, loosely defined, or ideas for the summer, are encouraged.)

 

Does the Program pay for health insurance?
As a continuing Harvard College undergraduate, you are covered by your regular Harvard health insurance during the summer.

I am planning to travel during the month of August. Could I miss the last two weeks of BLISS?
No. Individuals who are selected for BLISS must commit to the entire ten-week Program.

BLISS is a Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village Program (HSURV). HSURV programs provide a research experience with Harvard-affiliated faculty mentors, along with a stipend and on-campus housing and a partial meal plan for 10 weeks over the summer. Browse other programs in the Research Village: