June 9 - June 14, 2024 OR June 23 - June 28, 2024
Eligible for students entering grade 10
students@cpet.ufl.edu
Click here to apply to RISE: https://ufcpet.smapply.us/
Creative Research Explorations in Arts, Technology, Engineering, and Science
A 1-week residential program
The Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE) program is a University of Florida residential STEM program exploring the intersections of Technology, Engineering, and Science! Daily activities will include discussions, hands-on activities and laboratory experiments, case studies, field trips, and guest talks from UF faculty and graduate students across engineering and science disciplines. There will also be recreational activities offered during the program (e.g., trivia, game nights, etc.).
The Research Immersion in Science and Engineering program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a dynamic and immersive research experience characterized by creativity, discovery, and innovation. Through hands-on exploration and collaboration with leading experts in the field, students delve into cutting-edge research projects that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Encouraged to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and approach challenges with an innovative mindset, participants are empowered to make meaningful contributions to their respective fields while honing their skills as future scientists and engineers.
Important Information: Students must make a commitment to attend and participate in the entire program. Please confirm no other academic, school-related, sports, or family events will conflict with the program dates.
Application Fee: $20 - application fees are non-refundable even if the applicant withdraws or fails to complete their application
**Please note that the deadline for the first round of application reviews has passed (March 1). We will announce which programs are full in 2-3 weeks. At that time, we will begin reviewing late applications until programs are filled.
Program Cost: $1000 - The cost includes room and dining, program supplies, and field-trip transportation.
All interested and qualified students are encouraged to apply for RISE: Gator CREATES regardless of ability to pay. Limited need-based scholarships are available for students attending a Florida high school.
Frequently Asked Questions about RISE
- What RISE Offers
Let’s admit it—you’re looking at this page because you’re kind of a science nerd. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! If you want to learn from incredible scientists at UF, all while making friends with other high-achieving students with similar interests to you, you’re in the right place, and we can’t wait to meet you!
Research Immersion in Science and Engineering is a themed program that will introduce you to the iterative cycle of innovations in science and engineering. From basic science research to the development of new applications, therapies, and technologies, you’ll learn how research scientists and engineers contribute new knowledge and innovative approaches to tackle societal issues.
- From caving with a Florida geology expert, to learning first-hand about the development of virtual reality, to designing cities, RISE has something for everyone. Each year, students explore how different disciplines approach current hot topics in science and society.
- RISE is a great way to see all that UF has to offer. You’ll get the opportunity to work with current faculty, researchers, and graduate students as well as touring scientific labs and facilities. You’ll also experience other cool aspects of UF campus – from dining halls, to sports facilities, libraries and residence halls.
- You’ll live with other participants from around the state in an on-campus UF residence hall. Students dine together, and enjoy fun socials, sports, and activities in the evenings with our world-class counselors. Students arrive as strangers and leave as life-long friends!
- Application Requirements for RISE
Applicants must create an account in our online application portal in order to apply for any student programs offered by UF CPET. The online application portal is www.ufcpet.smapply.us. All components are submitted using the online application process unless noted. After all the below components of the application are completed, student must log into their account and SUBMIT their application.
A RISE Application consists of the following:
User Information: Provide applicant and parent/guardian contact information.
Application Form: Additional information as well as answering two writing prompts. The two writing prompts are as follows (each is 300- 500 words):
- Prompt 1: What is your favorite subject or activity? What do you enjoy about this subject/activity?
- Prompt 2: Please describe an experience that made you excited or curious to learn more about a topic in science, technology, math, engineering or computer science.
Endorsement Form: One online Endorsement Form filled out and submitted by a high-school or college-level math, science, research, or computer science teacher or mentor is required.
- Endorsers will receive an automated request from noreply@smapply.io once a student has requested an endorsement in their online application. However, we recommend that students contact their teacher prior to filling out the online request.
- If they do not receive an email from our system, please double-check that you have their correct email address before contacting us. This is the #1 reason why teachers do not receive the endorsement form.
High School Transcript (Offline Task*, see note below): Submit your unofficial transcript with first semester (Fall 2023) grades to UF CPET via FAX.
- Our FAX is 352-392-2344 (Not sure how to FAX? Ask your guidance counselor for help.)
- Our fax machine gets really busy during application season, especially as deadlines approach. Make sure your fax sends before walking away!
- Students are required to have started their application before transcripts are received. Transcripts received without an associated on-line application account will be destroyed
Application Fee (Offline Task*, see note below): The link to pay the $20 Application Fee is available from our How to Pay Page. Students attending a Florida High School who qualify for free and reduced may request an Application Fee Waiver.
*Offline Tasks: In the application portal, students are required to acknowledge the requirement of the each of these “off-line” portions by clicking “submit for approval”. The CPET office will log receipt of the each requirement. Please note that our system may be automated, but our process isn’t! When you send your transcript, we still need to look it over and make sure it has everything we need before a person goes into the system to let you know that we’ve received it. This can take up to three business days based on how many applications we are receiving simultaneously. After the requirement is logged, students will need to complete the section by clicking “complete” in the on-line portal.
- Application Deadlines & Notifications
The RISE program has rolling admission. The first round of review will begin in early March, with the first round of inviatations going out before the end of March. If the program is not filled during the first round of application review, applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of decisions every two weeks.
Once the first round of applications is received, they are reviewed by our Selection Committee. This review process can take 3 or more weeks, so please be patient. Each member of our committee carefully reads each application, transcript, and teacher endorsement we receive. This process takes time. Frequent calls can slow this process. Once we have reached a decision, we will send out an email through our online application portal. Notifications regarding your account and application progress will come from noreply@smapply.io. Please add this address to your email safe senders list, address book, or contact list.
Please note that applicants, not their parents, receive all correspondence from our office. It is the student’s responsibility to provide a working email address and check that email address regularly for communication from UF CPET. Failure to respond to email in a timely manner may result in the student being placed on the wait list. At any time applicants and parent “collaborators” may check on acceptance status in the on-line portal.
Possible decisions are as follows: invited to attend, waitlist, or not invited.