Coming up in the Honors College

• NOW: F.E.E.T Scholarship Application is now open!
• 12/04: Honors Reading Club - Animal Farm
• 12/08: Spring 2026 Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP)
• 12/12: Honors College Spring 2026 Scholarship Application is open!
• 12/19: The Great Conversation needs Student Volunteers

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ANNOUNCEMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES    

Grand Challenges Forum
The New Grand Challenges Forum encourages students to think critically, discuss openly and learn unequivocally. The New Grand Challenges Forum offers students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community a time to hear a wide range of lectures dedicated to a compelling theme. Fridays from 1-2 p.m. in the Honors College Commons.

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Honors Reading Group
Honors and Phronēsis Students are invited to join the "AFTER 5 Book Club" for our discussion of... George Orwell's prophetic novel, ANIMAL FARM
Thursday, December 4, at 5:30pm in the Honors College (room 212L) 
Contact dgish@uh.edu for more info. 

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: CHWs Driving Lupus Testing and Treatment Conference - UH Community Health Workers Initiative
Calling all CHWs, community health professionals, researchers, and students! UH CHWI and the Lupus Foundation Texas Gulf Coast Chapter have partnered to host a conference on lupus awareness, advocacy, and support on December 5, 2025 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the UH Student Center South. UH students, faculty and staff can register for FREE. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE.  Registration is required.

Spring 2026 Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP)
The UH Hobby School of Public Affairs is seeking students to apply for the Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP), which offers internships with government offices, nonprofit organizations, campaigns, and the private sector to University of Houston students each fall and spring semester. This internship course counts as 3 hours of upper-level political science or public policy credit. Students will be expected to work an average of 8 hours per week for the 15-week semester in their assigned office, meet as a class four times during the semester, and complete assignments. This program is open to junior, senior, and post-baccalaureate students of all majors. Questions about the program can be directed to Jessica Ruland O'Connor (jlruland@cougarnet.uh.edu) LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by December 8, 2026.

Honors College Spring 2026 Scholarship Application is Open!
These scholarships are awarded to current Honors students for the Spring 2026 semester only on the basis of the applicant's financial needs, academic record with emphasis on Honors coursework, and participation in the Honors College. The application deadline is December 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

The Great Conversation needs Student Volunteers
Student volunteer applications are now open for the Great Conversation, the Honors College’s largest fundraising event of the year! This year's event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Audrey Jones Beck Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Volunteers will help with event-day tasks such as setting up guest check-in, greeting and directing guests, assisting them to their seats, mingling during the cocktail reception, and joining a dinner table to engage with conversationalists and guests. Specific assignments will be provided closer to the event. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by December 19. Contact honevent@cougarnet.uh.edu for any questions. 

BCM Medical Student Review - Spring 2026 Issue Call for Submissions
BCM Medical Student Review (BMSR) is a student-led medical journal created to promote scholarship and education throughout all of medicine. The BMSR serves as a medium for trainees at all levels to share their scholarly work and address critical matters in the medical field through various academic and creative means. The Journal invites submissions from any healthcare student at the Baylor College of Medicine, as well as medical students, undergraduate students, and trainees at all levels from other schools. The BMSR encourages contributions in original research, reviews, editorials, and letters, in addition to narrative medicine pieces, artwork, and more. LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT HERE by December 31, 2025.

Check Europe off your Bucket List with the F.E.E.T Scholarship!
The Faber-Economon European Travel Scholarship (F.E.E.T.) is an award specifically designed to introduce Honors students to Europe. Made available through the generosity of two Honors alumni, Hanneke Faber and Aris Economon, the goal of the F.E.E.T. scholarship is to provide Honors students who've never been "across the pond" the chance to visit Europe without having to enroll in classes or take time off from school. Scholarship recipients will receive airfare to/from Europe, a 3-week Eurail pass and a €1,000.00 stipend. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE before January 9, 2026

Kscholastic Inc. Hiring In-person STEM and Latin Tutors!
Kscholastic is currently hiring In-Person Academic Tutors, with an urgent need for tutors in STEM subjects (Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) and Latin to support our K-12 student base across the Houston area. We are looking for motivated individuals who possess not only deep subject matter expertise but also exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Ideal candidates are highly organized, reliable, and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Crucially, tutors must be able to explain complex concepts clearly, adapt their teaching style to diverse learning needs, and foster a positive, encouraging learning environment. This role requires in-person tutoring in the Houston area, so candidates must have a personal vehicle for transportation. Applicants must be available a minimum of two evenings per week. We offer a competitive starting wage of $35-40/hour, with pay increases based on experience. If you are passionate about education and possess the skills to inspire academic confidence, please apply! To learn more and apply, click here. Contact office@kscholastic.com for any questions. Visit the website at: https://www.kscholastic.com/

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TRAVEL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Honors College Learning Abroad Opportunities

The GalápaGo! Research-Based Learning Abroad Program involves spending approximately one month supporting faculty-led research projects in the Galápagos Islands. To prepare for this immersive experience, students will be required to enroll in BIOL 4302 GalápaGo! Research Based Learning Abroad for the spring semester where they will be studying and discussing the theoretical and experimental background of these projects. Additionally, the Galápagos Islands will be used as a case study to explore key topics in geology, evolutionary biology, history, and conservation. TRAVEL DATES: May 29 - June 23, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Connecting Coastal Resilience: From the Greater Houston Area to The Netherlands brings together students to explore how flood-resilient infrastructure is designed, funded, built, restored, and improved. Before traveling abroad to The Netherlands, students are required to enroll in ENGI 4198: Connecting Coastal Resilience offered during spring semester. This course introduces students to the Greater Houston Area’s cultural, political, financial, and technical approaches to resilience through assigned readings, meetings with local experts, and site visits to locations such as the Houston Ship Channel. TRAVEL DATES: May 18-27, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Development, Conservation, and Health in the Dominican Republic is for students who want to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of politics, sustainability, and real-world environmental challenges. This learning abroad trip offers a chance to study the lush natural wonders of Las Terrenas. From its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to its tranquil mangrove wetlands and powerful natural springs, you'll engage in hands-on, community-driven research, exploring how local environmental issues collide with political and economic forces, both on a national and global scale. Enrollment in HON 4397, ENRG 4397, or POLS 3396  for Spring 2026 is required. TRAVEL DATES: May 27 - June 8, 2026  LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

This Global Bioethics: Engaging Rome with the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics & Human Rights learning abroad trip is designed to engage students with critical issues in bioethics and medical humanities from a global, cross-cultural perspective. We  are collaborating closely with our partners at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, supported by the School of Bioethics at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum and the Faculty of Law at the European University of Rome. Students will need to be enrolled in Global Bioethics HONS 3397H in Spring 2026. TRAVEL DATES: May 15-24, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Freedom of Conscience in Central Europe: Germany, Czech Republic, Poland
This trip is a cultural tour of central European cities— Berlin, Munich, Prague, and Krakow highlighting historical and cultural landmarks. It includes engagement with figures of political courage like Vaclav Havel, Martin Luther, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and visits to sites such as the Berlin Wall, Munich’s medieval castles and cathedrals, Prague’s Old Town, and historic Krakow. Open to all undergraduates of all majors! No course enrollment necessary!  TRAVEL DATES: May 17-28, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Science in the American Democracy - Washington D.C
A unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science and society in our nation’s capital. Led by Dr. Rita Sharp. This trip, will lead students to visit Washington, D.C.'s renowned memorials and museums, tour the National Institutes of Health, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Arlington National Cemetery and many other landmarks. TRIP DATES: March 14-20, 2026

*Dr Rita Sharp's students must be currently enrolled in or have completed BIOL 3350 (Science Communication Strategies) for Science in the American Democracy.
LEARN MORE HERE

250 Years of the American Experiment
Exploring the evolution of American democracy, identity, and ideals, Led by Dr. Carol Cooper.
A unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science and society in our nation’s capital. This trip, will lead students to visit Washington, D.C.'s renowned memorials and museums, tour the National Institutes of Health, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Arlington National Cemetery and many other landmarks. TRIP DATES: March 14-20, 2026

There is no enrollment necessary for 250 Years of the American Experiment with Dr. Carol Cooper. All undergraduates of all majors are welcomed to apply. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

2026 Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows Program
The Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows Program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders and drive innovation by increasing access to a life-changing graduate education. Over 100 graduate STEM programs at Carnegie Mellon University are eligible for this program, which supports both master’s and Ph.D. students. Fellows receive tuition and a stipend for up to two years of their admitted graduate program. In addition to the financial award, Fellows benefit from personalized career advising, mentorship, and leadership development. Eligible Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient, be pursuing an eligible graduate (master's or Ph.D.) in a STEM discipline at CMU, and received a Federal Pell Grant or need-based financial aid as an undergraduate, or are a first-generation college student. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by December 15, 2025 at 10:59 pm CST

2026 FAPSE Journalism Program
The Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FAPSE) Journalism program is a fully-funded, two-week fellowship program in professional ethics and ethical leadership that approaches the study of professional ethics by examining the actions and choices of German and international journalists in covering and enabling Nazi policies. The program takes place in Germany and Poland at the sites of Nazi history, allowing Fellows to benefit from the power of the place and immersive, contextual learning. All program costs are covered, including travel, lodging, and food. Eligible applicants must possess an undergraduate degree and has experience or plans to work as a journalist. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by January 4, 2026 at 10:59 pm CST

2026 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship
The 2026 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship empowers future leaders through cultural exchange, leadership, and global impact. Douglass-O'Connell Global Interns will spend eight weeks in Dublin, Ireland, where they will attend lectures on the history of social change in Ireland, participating in extracurricular and networking activities, and interning with a host company that aligns with their skills and career goals. Applicants must be a current undergraduate freshman-junior, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a U.S.citizen, U.S. National, or permanent resident, and be Pell Grant-eligible. Questions and advising inquiries about this program can be directed to the UH Institute for Global Engagement. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by January 9, 2026.

2026 Boren Awards
The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad in locations that are critical to U.S. national security. Undergraduate scholars and graduate fellows have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or self-identify their own study program. Boren Scholars can receive up to $25,000 and fellows up to $30,000 in awards. Recipients are eligible for exclusive opportunities and preferential consideration for federal government jobs. All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older at the time of the national application deadline, and remain matriculated in a degree program at a U.S. post-secondary institution for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE  Boren Fellowships Submission Deadline: January 21, 2026 or 
Boren Scholarships Submission Deadline: January 28, 2026

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three- to four-week programs for US undergraduate students to explore the culture, heritage, and history of the United Kingdom while experiencing higher education at a UK university. There are six participating universities with different focuses on a specific historical, cultural, or subject-related theme. Applicants must be US citizens with a passport, have a minimum 3.6 GPA, and have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after completion of the program. Submission Deadline is  February 2, 2026. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

2026 Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. An eligible applicant must be a full-time junior-level student at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor's degree during the 2025-2026 academic year, in the upper quarter of their class, and a U.S. citizen. A competitive applicant has an extensive record of public and community service, has outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, and is committed to a career in government or elsewhere in public service, as defined by the Foundation. Applications must be submitted as a campus nomination - please contact Dr. Ben Rayder (btrayder@central.uh.edu) if you are interested in applying for this scholarship. LEARN MORE ABOUT TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP HERE Submission Deadline is February 3, 2026

2026 Sumners At-Large Scholarship
The Sumners Foundation is offering the At-Large Sumners Scholarship to rising juniors with 4 semesters remaining in their undergraduate work. Scholarships are up to $40,000 paid in $10,000 increments in spring and fall semesters for the junior and senior year in an accredited college or university in Texas or Oklahoma. Sophomores in their second semester in Spring 2026 are the ideal candidate. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required and must be maintained to retain the scholarship. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, and a permanent resident of certain qualifying U.S. states. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST

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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Salk Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
The Salk Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (Salk SURF) is a transformative 9-week program designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to scientific research and professional development in STEM. The program will kick off with a virtual SURF immersion week composed of training and soft skills development, followed by 8 weeks of in-person hands-on research and mentorship at the Salk Institute. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a continuing student entering junior or senior year at an accredited institution, be pursuing a STEM or related degree, possess a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and minimum 2.5 GPA in science courses, be committed full-time to the program requirements, and be eligible to work in the U.S. Salk Institute is located in San Diego, California. Submission Deadlineis  December 7, 2025. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

2026 Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program
The BCM Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART) Program provides frontier-level, biomedical summer research projects for undergraduates in a supportive environment with supplemental educational activities. Projects will span the spectrum of biomedical science, including projects in bioengineering and computational biology. This program will offer a compensation package of approximately $5,400 - either full salary or a combination of salary and allocation for housing or travel. Eligible applicants must be continuing students at a U.S. university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. First-year applicants must have prior research experience. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by January 30, 2026

MD Anderson Therapeutics Discovery Division Summer Program
The MD Anderson Therapeutics Discovery Division (TDD) Summer Program allows students to work in a biotech-like environment where cross-functional research aims to discover and develop novel therapeutic agents that benefit patients. Participants will work on projects that bridge industry and academia in a fast-paced environment along with scientists from various disciplines and backgrounds. Eligible undergraduate applicants must be continually enrolled in an undergraduate program with good academic standing. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by January 14, 2026.

Summer Research Opportunities Program - Michigan State University
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at MSU provides undergraduate students from across the U.S. with an 11-week research collective to advance their future studies in STEM and social sciences disciplines. In this program, participants will participate in intense research activities and other supplemental opportunities like presentations, seminars, and workshops. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least two semesters of an undergraduate program, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be a U.S. citizen. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HEREby February 10, 2026.