A Professional Development Program Presented by the Career Center
& Undocumented Student Programs
2025-2026 Year: Applications for the academic year 2025-2026 will open
by July 14th!
Deadline for 2025-2026 is Monday, August 25th.
Butterfly Project Fellowship Program
What is the Butterfly Project Fellowship Program?
The The Butterfly Project Fellowship is an experiential learning initiative designed specifically for AB540, CA DREAM Act, non-DACA and undocumented students. This program provides mentorship, campus service opportunities, academic development, professional development workshops and financial aid support. Butterfly Project Fellows will receive scholarship funds of up to $7,200 for Undergrads and up to $9,000 for Grads, disbursed through the Financial Aid Office.
Note: Students are eligible to receive up to the full amount of the scholarship if they have room in their financial aid packages.
Butterfly Project Fellowship Eligibility
- Be an enrolled undergraduate, graduate or professional student at UCR
- Be a California DREAM Act Applicant (CADAA)
- Be an AB 540 Eligible student
- A non-DACA eligible, undocumented student
- Fellow cannot be a College Corps Fellow or enrolled in a secondary program that provides a scholarship through the Financial Aid Office
- Must bein and maintain Good Academic Standing
Butterfly Project Fellowship Track Requirements
The Butterfly Project Fellowship offers two tracks.
The first track is for undergraduate students who will participate in their experiential learning opportunity site by participating in a hands-on internship or participate in academic research projects and take part in a an academic internship course UGRD 198G. Students can receive up to $7,200 per year or $2,400/quarter.
The second track is for graduate students who will participate in academic research projects alongside a Faculty Mentor during the academic year and enroll in an eligible independent or directed research studies course. Students can receive up to $9,000 per year or $3,000/quarter.
Track 1:
- 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 UGRD 198G course associated with Butterfly Project Fellowship
- Class is pass/No Pass
- Visit USP or attend USP events 3 times per quarter
- Participate in end of year symposium
- Meet 1:1 with USP Staff each quarter
Track 2:
- Commit 15 hours weekly to their academic research project
- Attend Welcome Orientation in person in October
- Submit Quarterly Program Assessments
- Enroll in the UGRD 198G course associated with Butterfly Project Fellowship
- Class is pass/No Pass
- Visit USP or attend USP events 2 times per quarter
- Participate in end of year symposium
- Meet 1:1 with USP Staff each quarter
Butterfly Project Fellowship Application
Application will be available by July 14th.
Application components:
- 1 page cover letter answering 200-500 word prompts
- Submit a resume/CV
- Provide Mentor Information (If applicable)
- Financial Aid screenshot
Become A Butterfly Project Mentor!
You can apply here to serve as Mentor for the 2025-2026 Academic Year!
Please note the application is for Staff and Faculty only.
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.