Summer Education Research Program (SERP)

The Summer Education Research Program (SERP) is sponsored by the School of Education and the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Graduate School. The program focuses on increasing access and exposure to research experiences with faculty mentors for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in academic fields within the School of Education. The program offers a competitive $5,000 stipend for participants as well as other amenities, including travel expenses to Madison and housing.

2026 Program Dates: May 26 to Aug. 1

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Eligibility and Deadlines

Learn more about specific eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements.

poster fair in the lobby of the Education building

SERP Mentors and Projects

Learn more about current and past SERP Mentors.

student presenting research to a group at a poster fair

SERP Scholar Research

Learn more about the SERP Scholar experience, including information about past SERP Scholars and their projects.

A photo of the outside of the School of Education with fall leaves.

Meet our Team

Program Goals

SERP aims to encourage, promote, and prepare undergraduate students to both pursue and thrive in their graduate studies. The program endeavors to increase opportunities for individuals to engage in important research that has an impact across a range of areas within the education, health, and arts fields. Furthermore, the program encourages undergraduate students to investigate particular issues that impact various aspects of education found across the 10 departments housed within the School of Education.

Specific areas of research could include experiences in the following areas (subject to availability of mentors and potential match with SERP Scholar):

Arts: 3D Art, 4D/Digital Art, Art Education, Dance, Drawing/Painting, Graphic Design, Printmaking and Book Arts, Photography, Theatre and Drama

Education: Educational Leadership, Policy Development, Urban Education, Curriculum Development, Teacher Education, Multicultural Education, English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education, Math and Science Education, Human Development and Learning, Educational Psychology, Special Education, Testing and Evaluation

Health Sciences: Biomechanics, Counseling Psychology, Developmental Processes, Exercise Physiology or Psychology, Human Development, Motor Control and Behavior, Neurobiology, Physical Activity Epidemiology, Occupational Science

Department Websites

Program Components

SERP is a 10-week residential summer program that will take place on the UW–Madison campus in summer 2026. During the session, SERP Scholars receive guidance from a faculty/research associate mentor on their chosen research topic and prepare and present a culminating presentation about their research topic.

SERP Scholars will also interact with other students from the other UW–Madison Summer Research Opportunities Programs (SROP) and participate in weekly seminars about topics in education, research team meetings, professional development opportunities, and one-on-ones with SERP program staff. Information about applying to graduate school, financial aid/funding, library resources, and social activities will also be provided.