Summer Education Research Program (SERP)

The Summer Education Research Program (SERP) is sponsored by the School of Education and the UW–Madison’s Graduate School. The program gives undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate studies within the School of Education access and exposure to research experiences with a faculty mentor. SERP offers a competitive $5,000 stipend for participants as well as other resources, including travel expenses and housing in Madison.

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 pursue and thrive in their graduate studies. The program increases opportunities for students to engage in impactful research within the education, health, and arts fields. SERP encourages undergraduate students to investigate particular issues that impact various aspects of education found across all School of Education departments.

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 summer program that takes place on the UW–Madison campus. During the program, SERP Scholars receive guidance from a faculty and/or research associate mentor on their chosen research topic and prepare and deliver a culminating presentation.

SERP Scholars will connect with 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. Students will be provided with information about: