Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Student Awards for Research and Creativity

Four complementary programs — SARC-S, SARC-C, SARC-T, and SARC-E — offer diverse pathways for students to gain meaningful, mentored research experiences.

For further research opportunities, see the Student Faculty Research Collaborative website.

Questions: sarc@csuchico.edu 

SARC-C Catalyst Awards

Academic-Year Project Grants For Research & Creativity

SARC-C supports faculty–student teams conducting academic-year research and creative projects. Graduate students may apply for up to $2,000 and Undergraduate students may apply for up to $1,000 for total academic year awards. These awards are direct to student and will be allocated through the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office*.

Eligibility

  • Open to students in any discipline.
  • Faculty and students apply jointly (identified partners).
  • Student awards are funded within the allowable costs of attendance per Financial Aid.
  • Any student who has previously been awarded SARC (C-Catalyst, S-Summer, E-Equity) in their current UG or Grad program will not be eligible to apply again. Students who have been awarded in any SARC program as an UG may apply again as a Grad.
  • F-1 and J-1 Visa holders are not eligible.

Funding and Support

  • For Graduate students, up to $2,000 available in the full award, to be used as a direct award to the student or split into an award with an approved materials/supplies budget.
  • For Undergraduate students, up to $1,000 avaliable in the full award, to be used as a direct award to students or split into an award with approved materials/supplies.
  • Approved equipment allowed with academic department approvals.
  • Participation incentives for research subjects.
  • Limited travel for research/analysis needs.
  • No conference travel.

Program Design

  • Joint Faculty and Student Application: Project description, student role, and qualifications.
  • Required application budget to include all requested funding.
  • Timeline: One Academic Year (Fall - Spring)
  • Awarded funds available in November (typically in September) and direct awards are distributed once each semester.

Note: *Applicants requesting any direct awards will be required to have eligibility within Cost of Attendance (COA) in their Financial Aid Award package and be aware of potential impact to other existing or anticipated financial aid awards. If awarded, the student may choose to accept or decline any direct award after discussion with a Financial Aid Advisor. No F-1 or J-1 Visa holders are eligible.

SARC-S Summer Awards

Faculty-Mentored Summer Research & Creative Activity

SARC-S funds intensive summer research and creative projects. Students may apply for up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. The SARC-S Application is now closed.

Eligibility

  • Open to students in any discipline.
  • Faculty and students apply jointly (identified partners).
  • Any student who has previously been awarded SARC (C-Catalyst, S-Summer, E-Equity) in their current UG or Grad program will not be eligible to apply again. Students who have been awarded in any SARC program as an UG may apply again as a Grad.
  • Not available to F1/J1 visa holders.

Funding and Support

Total for all requested elements is $5,000 and that may include the following:

  • Student Assistant funding for SARC-Summer Student Assistant positions (hourly student payroll for summer).
  • Supplies and materials (equipment only allowed with faculty mentor and academic department approvals).
  • No conference travel support.

Program Design

  • Joint Faculty and Student Application: Project description, student role, and qualifications.
  • Required application budget to include all requested funding.

SARC-T Travel Awards

Travel Awards For Presenting Research At Professional Conferences

SARC-T supports students who have been accepted to present their research or creative work at scholarly conferences or juried events. This program emphasizes equity and broad participation. This is a one-time special fund and supports travel from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

Awards are determined to represent maximum reimbursement for awarded travel. Requires adherence to Chico State Enterprises (CSE) travel policy and following guidelines as presented to awarded students. Travel must NOT have already taken place.

Eligibility

  • Student presenters in any discipline.
  • Proof of acceptance to present (in any formal, in-person, virtual, talk, or a poster/creative work) required.

Funding and Support

Up to $1,000 per student for travel-related expenses to either be paid directly by the SARC program or reimbursed to the student traveler.

Program Design

  • Short application including abstract, acceptance proof, budget, and itinerary.
  • Advisor endorsement required.
  • Applications in two cycles:
    • Cycle 1 - Fall 2025, application period Sept/Oct and funding travel from Oct 2025 – Feb 2026 (Closed)
    • Cycle 2 - Spring 2026, application period Jan and funding travel from Mar 2026 – Aug 2026
  • Timeline: October 2025 – August 2026.
  • $12,600 total available (Governor’s Grant – University Foundation Funding).
  • Cycle 2 applications will be ranked by the Review Committee and awarded upon proof of acceptance to present. Awards will be granted until funding is fully distributed.

Tips for Applying

SARC-E: SARC Equity

Expanding Access For Students Through The Affinity Resource Centers

SARC-E targets opportunities for faculty and students to engage in student success research and study around populations served by the Affinity Resource Centers. Funds are provided to support student payroll, material support, and travel for dissemination of student work. It is developed in partnership with the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC) and Affinity Centers. These awards will be made through the CCLC, with any payroll and purchasing done centrally.

Eligibilty

  • This opportunity is only available to currently enrolled Chico State students who are enrolled at least through summer 2026.
  • Students of all disciplines are eligible to apply.
  • Any student who has previously been awarded SARC (C-Catalyst, S-Summer, E-Equity) in their current UG or Grad program will not be eligible to apply again. Students who have been awarded in any SARC program as an UG may apply again as a Grad. 
  • This opportunity is for students interested in research and creative work that engages the Affinity Resource Centers.