Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried to anticipate your questions, but recognize that in our first year of launch, there may be details we have missed. If you have a question that is not answered here or on other parts of the website, please reach out to Prof. Dean Livelybrooks at dlivelyb@uoregon.edu.
Q: How do I apply to be an OPRIC scholar? When is the deadline?
A: Submit your application through the secure Qualtrics Form. Although the deadline has passed for the 23-24 academic year, you can still apply, as new opportunities may arise. For more information or to prepare for the next application cycle, contact Meridith Turnbull at meridith@uoregon.edu.
Q: How is the dollar amount of the scholarship determined?
A: Award amounts will be determined in partnership with financial aid offices at the student’s institution. The goal of OPIRC scholarships is to cover unmet financial need. This is roughly calculated as the difference between the cost of attendance and expected family contribution (from FAFSA) minus other supports (e.g. additional scholarships).
The maximum award amounts for each phase of the program are:
- $10,000 – during final year of community college
- $10,000 – during each of the final two years at University of Oregon
- $15,000 – during enrollment in the UO Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program
Q: Do I have to re-apply every year to be an OPIRC scholar?
A: While you will not need to formally re-apply to be an OPIRC scholar, you will need to submit necessary documents to the financial aid office so that the scholarship award amount can be determined. You may also need to submit transcripts to verify GPA requirements are met.
A: As part of the application process, you will need two professional references. A professional reference is a person with whom you have had a professional relationship with such as an instructor, advisor or manager/supervisor. The reference should be able to vouch for some of your professional skills such as work ethic, skills, teamwork, strengths and achievements. At least one of your references should be able to speak to your academic experience.
Q: I am a community college student, but do not meet all of the criteria to be an OPIRC Scholar (e.g. attending a partner institution, have un-met financial need). Can I still participate in OPIRC?
A: We are actively working on expanding access to OPIRC benefits to students who do not meet all criteria. Within our first year of launching OPIRC, we believe we will have the capacity to expand mentoring opportunities to students who do not meet full OPIRC criteria. Please reach out to Dean Livelybrooks at dlivelyb@uoregon.edu to be added to a distribution list for updates as they come available.
Q: I am a UO undergraduate majoring in physics, chemistry, or biochemistry. I am also a community college transfer or have un-met financial need. Can I participate in OPIRC?
A: Depending on the number of OPIRC scholars funded at community colleges during the academic year, we may have additional funding available for scholarships. We are also evaluating our capacity to expand mentoring opportunities to students. Please reach out to Dean Livelybrooks at dlivelyb@uoregon.edu to be added to a distribution list for updates as they come available.
Q: Can I pursue an engineering degree as part of OPIRC?
A: Many alumni of the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program (KCGIP) hold engineering titles, though their master’s and bachelor’s degrees are in the physical sciences. Check out how KCGIP alumni have pursued engineering roles in Optical Materials, Semiconductors, Polymers, Molecular Sensors and Bioinformatics. By supporting students from community college to UO for a bachelor’s and master’s in the KCGIP, students have strong prospects in engineering roles.
Q: I am interested in being a Mentor for OPIRC scholars. How do I apply?
A: Students enrolled in the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program may apply to be a mentor. Please use the Qualtrics form to submit an application. Mentors for the 22-23 academic year have already been selected. Applications for 23-24 academic year will be opening Sept 1st and closing Monday Oct 2nd. For full details, contact Stacey York at syork@uoregon.edu.