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:
- A strong dedication to developing or furthering academic interest and scholarly excellence in social science research;
- 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;
- 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).