Undocumented Student Programs

Butterfly Project Header

Application for students

2026-2027: Applications will open July 13th
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 16th @ 11:45pm
APPLY HERE TO BE A BUTTERFLY PROJECT FELLOW

What is the Butterfly Project Fellowship Program?

 
The Butterfly Project Fellowship (BPF) is an experiential learning and academic enrichment program dedicated to fostering students' professional and personal development. BPF provides meaningful mentorship opportunities with UCR staff and faculty, in partnership with the UC Riverside Career Center, along with campus service opportunities, academic development, and hands-on experience in students' fields of interest. Fellows also participate in conferences and workshops focused on professional development and career readiness.
 
Important: The Butterfly Project Fellowship is an academic enrichment program NOT an employment opportunity. The fellowship funds are intended to support a fellow's educational and professional development experiences.

Before you apply

Eligibility

 

✓  Enrolled undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at UCR. Undergraduates must be 2nd year or above, and enrolled at UCR every quarter of the Fellowship.

✓    A California DREAM Act Applicant (CADAA) and AB 540-eligible student.

✓  In good academic standing, maintained throughout the program.

✓  Not currently a College Corps Fellow or enrolled in another program that provides a Financial Aid Office scholarship.

✓  Applicants must be able to commit to the full academic year  (September 24 – June 4).

$7,200
Max award for undergraduate Fellows, up to $2,400 per quarter
$9,000
Max award for graduate Fellows, up to $3,000 per quarter

Awards are disbursed through the Financial Aid Office and count toward your cost of attendance — see the Fellowship Award FAQs below for how this may affect your aid package.

Two tracks, one fellowship

Undergraduate & Graduate

 
Track 1 is for undergraduates: a hands-on internship or academic research project at your experiential learning site, paired with the academic internship course UGRD 198G. Track 2 is for graduate students: an academic research project alongside a Faculty Mentor, paired with an eligible independent or directed research studies course.
Students are eligible to receive up to the full amount of the scholarship if they have room in their financial aid package.

Track 1 | Undergraduate

Internship or applied research

$7,200  per year, up to $2,400/Quarter 
 
Commit 12 hours weekly to their internship site or research project
Attend Welcome Orientation in person in October
Submit Quarterly Program Assessments
Enroll in the required 4-unit course UGRD 198G associated with Butterfly Project Fellowship; class is Pass/No Pass
Visit USP or attend USP events 3 times per quarter
Meet 1:1 with USP Staff each quarter
Participate in end of year symposium

 

Track 2 | Graduate

Faculty-mentored research

$9,000per year, up to $3,000/quarter
  • Commit 15 hours weekly to their academic research project
    Attend Welcome Orientation in person in October
    Submit Quarterly Program Assessments
    Enroll in an eligible 298I, 290, 291, or directed/independent studies graduate course — class is Pass/No Pass
    Visit USP or attend USP events 2 times per quarter
    Meet 1:1 with USP Staff each quarter
    Participate in end of year symposium

Ready to apply

What your application needs

01 Letter    A one-page cover letter answering the provided prompts, in your own words. USP discourages using AI for personal statements, for your own security and confidentiality.
02 ResumeA current resume or CV.
03 MentorMentor information, if you already have one in mind.
DeadlineSunday, August 16th at 11:45pm, no exceptions.

Application for Faculty Mentors

Mentors
You can apply here to serve as Mentor for the 2026-2027 Academic Year! 
Please note the application is for Staff and Faculty only.

Apply Here

Butterfly Project Fellowship FAQs

  • The application will be open Monday, July 13th through Sunday, August 16th at 11:45pm. 

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    • How or will the fellowship affect my financial aid?
      • Fellowship awards are considered financial aid and count toward your cost of attendance. Depending on your specific financial aid award for 26-27, certain forms of aid may be adjusted to accommodate this fellowship award or the amount of the fellowship can be reduced to fit within the allowable limits.
      • For other questions related specifically to details of your award package please reach out to us so we can refer you to the Financial Aid Office. 
    • When will I receive my fellowship award?
      • Fellowship awards are issued as part of your financial aid package and will be reflected in your financial aid portal. Disbursements generally take place within the first five weeks of each quarter, though the exact timing may vary due to factors outside of USP's control.
    • What may cause me to lose my fellowship award?

      • You are entitled to quarterly disbursements of the fellowship as long as you remain in good programmatic standing.

      • If you fail to complete program requirements within your first quarter, you may lose your fellowship award. Continued disregard of program requirements can lead to loss of the fellowship award and removal from the program. If you are removed from the program once, you will be ineligible to return in a future academic year.
    • How long is the fellowship?
      • The Butterfly Project Fellowship is for the entire academic year 2026-2027 (Sept. 24th- June 4th).
    • Can I go return to my previous site?
      • It depends. If you have already discussed with your mentor at that site that you would like to return and they are willing to continue the mentorship we can have you return to that site and will confirm with your site mentor via information your provide in your application. 
    • Can I participate if I already have a faculty mentor or research placement?
      • Yes. If you have already established a relationship with a faculty mentor you can provide that information via the application so that we can reach out to the faculty and confirm their participation in the program and ensure they meet all program mentor requirements.
         
You Belong at UCR

All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.

To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.