Application Overview

The NSF REU Site on Language and Social Mobility welcomes applications from undergraduate students interested in exploring how linguistic choices intersect with social mobility in higher education. This program, funded by the NSF REU Sites program in the SBE Directorate and supported by the UC-HBCU Initiative, is designed to broaden participation in the linguistic sciences.

Prospective scholars should review the program structure and eligibility guidelines before preparing their materials. The research experience integrates hands-on investigation with mentorship from faculty and graduate researchers.

The application process for this Research Experiences for Undergraduates site is designed to be accessible and welcoming to students from a wide range of backgrounds, particularly those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other minority-serving institutions. Applicants are encouraged to think carefully about how their own experiences with language, education, and social mobility connect to the program's central questions. The review committee looks for curiosity, intellectual promise, and a genuine interest in the linguistic sciences, rather than requiring prior coursework in linguistics specifically. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply, since the program values diverse perspectives that enrich the research community.

Eligibility for the summer research experience centers on undergraduate enrollment and a commitment to the program's goal of increasing diversity in the linguistic sciences. Prospective scholars should be prepared to participate in a full-time, immersive research experience that includes hands-on data collection, analysis, and mentoring from faculty and graduate students. The program also emphasizes professional development, helping participants build skills in academic writing, public presentation, and research methods. Applicants who are selected will join a cohort of peers working collaboratively on projects that examine how linguistic choices shape educational outcomes and social mobility, with findings that carry implications for teaching and broader societal benefit.

Those preparing their applications are encouraged to gather materials that reflect both their academic record and their personal motivations for joining the program. Letters of recommendation from faculty or mentors who can speak to the applicant's potential are an important part of the review process. The program's faculty are committed to mentoring scholars from underrepresented backgrounds and to creating a supportive environment where students can grow as researchers. Throughout the summer, participants will document their findings, engage with public audiences, and contribute to an ongoing archive of research on language and social mobility, gaining experience that positions them well for graduate study and future careers in the linguistic sciences.

What We Look For

Application Materials

A complete application generally includes the following components. Specific requirements may vary by program cycle:

• Personal statement describing your interest in language and social mobility research and how the program aligns with your academic goals.
• Current résumé or CV highlighting relevant coursework, research experience, and extracurricular involvement.
• Unofficial transcript from your home institution.
• One or more letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with your academic work.

Program Structure

The REU site integrates research and education over an intensive summer period. Scholars collaborate on projects investigating the linguistic choices underrepresented minority students make as they navigate higher education. Participants receive mentorship, attend workshops, and present their findings.

For a fuller picture of the research experience, including timelines and expectations, visit the Program page.