The Grainger College of Engineering
Siebel School of Computing and Data Science

STARS - Application Info

STARS Applications are now open!

Apply for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Program Dates/Location

STARS runs each academic year on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus.

Undergraduate Research Appointments

STARS will be appointed to undergraduate hourly positions with a rate determined by experience according to departmental guidelines. The STARS Course will be included in each participant's 10-hour appointment.

Eligibility, Qualifications, and Ambassadors Activities

Applications are open to all Illinois undergraduate students interested in pursuing research and empowering women in Computer Science. 

  • Experience (preferred but not required):
    • Research (e.g., Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
    • Mentorship, leadership, and teaching at any level (e.g., student organization leadership, CA experience, community mentorship/volunteer work with youth)
  • Knowledge:
    • Commitment to broadening participation in education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds
    • Excellent listening, oral, organizational, and communication skills
    • Potential for leadership, mentorship, and empathy

STARS will spend their time on the following activities:

  • Research (65%):
    • Academic Year: Work with a school faculty member on a research topic of interest.
  • Leadership and Mentorship (25%):
    • Academic Year: Plan and execute recruiting, mentoring, and cohort-building activities for undergraduate women in computing. 
    • Summer (optional): Serve as Illinois Kickstart mentoring/leadership staff. Develop and facilitate activities and programming for program participants.
  • Training (10%):
    • Enroll in the STARS course
    • OPTIONAL: Attend summer training to serve as Illinois Kickstart Mentor

Application Information

Timeline 

  • Applications open on February 20
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Priority deadline for Fall 2024 is July 1st

Application Materials

The STARS application is designed to give a holistic view of each applicant's personal, academic, leadership, and research history/interests. The following materials provide this information:

  • 300-500 word Personal Statement: a 300-500 word statement of interest describing your interest in STARS and why your background and experiences would benefit you in this role. This statement should discuss your interests in broadening participation in computing or diversity and inclusion work.
  • 300-500 word Research Statement: Describe any prior research experiences you may have had (not required) and what research topics you would like to pursue while in the STARS. 
  • 100-200 word Leadership and Mentorship Statement: Describe any leadership or mentorship experience you have and how you facilitated a welcoming and inclusive environment as part of your work in this role. 
  • Name and Email Address for One Reference: Applicants must upload this into their application. Reference letters will be requested on behalf of the applicant through our application portal. Applicants do NOT need to upload their letters or have references email a letter to the program.
  • GPA: University of Illinois Students should provide their current UIUC GPA. Incoming students should provide their high school GPA. Other application materials (application statements, CV) will provide the necessary context for your GPA. 
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Faculty/Research Areas: To explore faculty/research projects with whom you would like to engage, please visit our school research page to learn more about potential faculty mentors/projects.