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California State University, Chico
Dare to Do It All

Academic Enrichment Opportunities

A Chico State education is about so much more than what you’ll find in the classroom. Whether you’re collaborating with faculty on research projects, earning meaningful work experience at an internship, studying abroad, or sharpening your leadership skills, you’ll have more opportunities to excel than you can imagine.

Research Builds Futures

Students who participate in research projects get more than deep insight into subjects they’re passionate about. They also earn valuable experience that can set them up for success before they even graduate. These are just some of the options you can explore.

  • Chemistry student smiling and writing on a whiteboard in a lab.

    Spend Summer in the Lab

    Put your summer job to work for you with paid, on-campus research. Our Chemistry and Physics Summer Research Institutes support provide 10-week paid stipends to dozens of students each year, while the Chico STEM Connections Collaborative offers immersive experiences in agriculture, engineering, and the natural sciences.

  • Student and staff members talking together at an award reception.

    Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences

    CUREs deliver authentic research experience within course activities. Learn to develop research questions and implement the research process through initiatives such as the CEMUR Project.

  • Smiling staff member chatting with student in a classroom.

    Find Your Funding

    Undergraduate and graduate students can earn money to complete original research while working under the guidance of faculty or staff advisors. Awardees can use the funds for conference or research travel or materials and supplies as approved.

  • Smiling student work with samples in a lab.

    Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Opportunities

    Pursue opportunities for research in the fall, spring, or summer both at Chico State and institutions across the United States. Contact faculty members directly to learn more, or visit the website for details.

A student sits at a table helping a fellow Wildcat working on a laptop.

Experience Starts Here

You don’t have to wait until graduation to get invaluable on-the-job training. Our courses integrate directly with industry on projects like this one where engineering students developed a robotic arm for Amazon Web Services to automate household tasks. These kinds of internships, capstones, and other experiences are embedded in our curriculum.

Take Your Learning on the Road

Smiling students of various backgrounds learning in campus settings.

Study Abroad

Change your perspective in a study abroad program. With options in 200+ locations and 40 different countries, you’ll build language skills, gain valuable professional experience and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in another culture.

National Student Exchange

You don’t have to go abroad to gain a life-changing experience. Choose your destination from 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. This is your opportunity to learn more about yourself as you experience the cultural mosaic of the United States.

International Training Programs

The Office of International Education provides professional training in a range of educational issues to groups who come to Chico from different countries. Seminars focus on the real-world implications of each issue and frequently incorporate site visits, speakers, and other cultural experiences.

Student sitting at laptop smiling and looking into the distance.

Elevate Your Education

Ask more about the world around you, and from yourself, in the University Honors Program. Honors classes in the arts, humanities, sciences and other disciplines taught by award-winning faculty will push your horizons. Open to any student committed to excellence—no minimum GPA or test scores required

Turning Intention Into Action

As far as we’re concerned, being a good student also means being a good citizen—and that means learning to become part of your community. Whether screening fifth graders for reading capability or helping build affordable housing, you’ll find dozens of ways to get involved.

60K+

Hours Volunteered Annually

Every year, Chico State students spend the equivalent of 2,500 days working in and around our community, working in schools, on clean-ups, at food pantries, and more.

125

California College Corps volunteers

Students in this program can earn up to $10,000 toward their college costs while completing 450 hours of service in our community.

11k

Clients Served Yearly

Student interns with the Community Legal Information Clinic provide free legal help for housing, disability, environmental justice, and more.

Become a Leader

Three student interacting collaboratively in a classroom.

If you’re called to lead, we’re proud to get you going. Chico State gives you the tools to hone leadership skills that will kickstart your career and last a lifetime.

Wildcat Leadership Center

Want to get involved? This is the place to start. The WLC is home to nine different programs, each of which plays a vital role in campus life. Our involvement coordinators can help you find opportunities to engage with student government, orientation, campus sustainability, and more.

First-Year Experience

Get your college career off to a fast start through our First-Year Experience. These courses will turn you into an active, engaged member of the University community, connect you with peers, and cultivate the skills and habits you’ll need to succeed at Chico State.

First-Year Leadership Opportunity

Go with the FLO! Earn one unit a semester through this program, while making friends and connecting to Chico State programs and resources. Build professional skills through workshops and civic engagement, get involved on campus and the community, and build connections that will last through your time here.

Student sitting and looking through an internship manual that reads "Chico State Career Center; Get Here, Go Anywhere".

Find What's Next

Our Career Center doesn’t just help you find a job—we’re here to help build your career. From selecting a major through developing your post-graduation plan, career advisors can assist with resumes and cover letters, suggest career paths, and more. We’ll practice interview with you and prep you for our many job fairs, too.

Help When You Need It

Don’t struggle on your own. We have programs across campus offering the assistance you need to thrive.

  • Tutoring

    Schedule free, weekly sessions with skilled tutors for help in any of dozens of classes and subjects, from physics to psychology and anthropology to engineering. Get personalized assistance as you learn to work through challenging concepts and master the material. 

  • Supplemental Instruction

    Boost your grasp of course material by dropping into a supplemental instruction session. Each session is specially tailored to your specific class and is led by experienced SI Leaders. Review key topics, deepen your understanding, and collaborate with fellow students in a supportive environment.

  • Peer Mentorship Programs

    Hear it from somebody who’s been there through one of several peer mentor programs on campus. Whether you’re working to get the hang of college in our First-Year Experience Program or are in any of several other programs, peer mentors can give you spot-on advice about careers, classes, and more. 

Staff member working on a baja race car.

Putting Ourselves to the Test

At Chico State, you’ll be surrounded by faculty and fellow students who constantly push you to do your best—and you’ll get the chance to prove your skills in competitions and challenges both on and off campus.

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