Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars
The Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars is one of three student recognition and reward programs that make up The Cornell Commitment. Together, The Cornell Commitment empowers students to impact the world.
The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) organizes volunteers and logistics for events on campus and in the local community. Through their work with the SAC, members are able to meet a portion of their service requirement for their Tradition fellowships.The Cornell Tradition is an alumni supported program that recognizes and rewards outstanding undergraduates. Tradition Fellows are members of a select group, representing less than four percent of the undergraduate population from all colleges and schools at Cornell. The program supports up to 500 students who demonstrate significant work experience, a commitment to service, and academic achievement. Through The Cornell Tradition, students can make meaningful contributions to campus, Ithaca, and communities all over the world.
The Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars (RCPRS) program supports a select group of highly motivated undergraduate students, from all colleges and schools at Cornell, as well as many disciplines, by promoting and providing resources for sustained engagement in research and scholarly study in close relationship with faculty and other mentors. RCPRS offers membership to 45 entering freshmen who demonstrate superior academic potential and intellectual curiosity in high school. Scholars collaborate with faculty mentors of their choosing in designing and carrying out an individualized program of research.
The Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program was created in 1996. It was later re-named in honor of President Hunter R. Rawlings III, under whose leadership the RCPRS program was founded. Rawlings was committed to increasing significant interactions between undergraduate students and faculty members.
Scholars admitted as freshmen have access to up to $8,000 to support research and related activities while they are full-time undergraduates at Cornell. Rising juniors admitted to RCPRS have access to $5,000. The RSA can be used to provide a living expense grant for at least one summer of research, attend at least one conference, and purchase necessary supplies.
Rawlings Scholars with demonstrated financial need will receive up to a $4,000/year scholarship which increases total grant aid and reduces self-help aid such as loans or work.
First year scholars participate in the RCPRS Colloquium, which includes a program orientation as well as meetings with fellow students, faculty members, and college-specific coordinators. This year-long series in the first year creates a sense of cohesion and belonging, introduces the students to many Cornell resources, and helps them find a faculty mentor.
Faculty mentors are crucial to the success of the RCPRS program. Scholars consistently engage in research starting in their second semester and work closely with faculty and other mentors, supporting on-going faculty research or an independent, faculty-endorsed project.
Students can develop summer experiences to explore their research interests, funded by their Research Support Account. Each scholar is expected to participate in at least one full-time, program-approved summer research experience.
Students have access to additional funding to off-set costs associated with participation in an activity that may be outside their specific program expectation but aligns with The Cornell Commitment’s values of service, leadership, and research.
This annual event brings together freshmen from the research, service, and leadership programs that make up The Cornell Commitment to learn from upperclass students who have engaged in program-supported summer experiences at Cornell and around the world.
All RCPRS seniors present their research during this capstone event held annually in April. At Senior Expo, the graduating class presents their research projects, in academic poster format to their peers, faculty mentors, family, and friends.
RCPRS celebrates and honors its seniors at a reception with their families and faculty mentors held on the Friday of Graduation weekend in May.
RCPRS students can apply to be members of the SAB, which advises staff on areas of interest for students and organizes social and other activities to foster interactions across the membership. SAB members also serve as ambassadors of the program.
Relationships that Rawlings Scholars develop with one another and with alumni add richness to the RCPRS experience. Social media, networking, visits from alumni, and special events promote connections between scholars and alumni.
All Rawlings Scholars, who are sophomores and above, can compete in the annual Research Grand Slam. Students present their research to a panel of judges and new students, competing for cash prizes awarded to the top three contestants.
We also ask faculty members to evaluate scholars annually.
Regardless of their field of study, RCPRS students are leaders in the perennial quest for knowledge and discovery central to the University’s mission. Through the courage of their questions and the depth of their answers, they find value in their education and, ultimately, meaning in their lives.
Starting out as someone who had no idea how to even start applying to labs, the Rawlings program helped me immensely in navigating Cornell research.
Read More from Rowan L.
There’s a growing gap between scientists and the public. Research only becomes powerful when people can actually use it.
Read More from Andrea K.
The program has helped me connect with faculty, learn how to find research opportunities, and navigate different situations that come up in the research process.
Read More from Rose X.Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.