Overview

The Whitney Travel Award, in memory of Dr. William M. Whitney, provides funding to support undergraduate students attending the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).

Dr. William M. Whitney, former Treasurer for the SCCUR Board of Directors, was a long time supporter of undergraduate student research and the promotion of this high impact practice for student success and career preparedness. You can find more details about Dr. Whitney here. His legacy will live on through this generous funding opportunity to support students traveling to NCUR to present.

Images courtesy of Caltech

Instructions for Applying
(applications are closed for 2024 and are typically due in early February each year)

$1000 Annual Award to Support Student Travel to NCUR

Priority will be given to:

  • Applicants enrolled and engaged in activities at an institution in Southern California.

  • Applicants involved in a primary role within the research or creative activity to be presented.

Minimum qualifications:

  • Applicant must have presented at a SCCUR conference within the past two years of the application year; proof of presentation at SCCUR conference(s) is required.

  • Applicant must have been accepted to present at NCUR; proof of acceptance is required.

  • Applicant must not have previously received the SCCUR Whitney Travel Award.

In the application form, the applicant must submit:

  • The abstract submitted to NCUR with proof of acceptance,

  • A personal statement (300-500 words) summarizing the applicants undergraduate research or creative activity experience(s) and their role in the activity and/or their function/responsibility within that role at (or affiliated with) a Southern California institution for higher education is preferred. Including future career plans or how students will cover all costs associated with presenting at NCUR is also encouraged in the student personal statement.  

  • A confirmation of prior SCCUR participation (email, photo, etc.),

  • A letter of support from the faculty advisor/mentor

  • An estimated travel budget plan to cover all expenses.

Selection criteria:

  • Applicants will be selected on the basis of:

    • Submitted application materials.

    • Unmet financial need related to attending the NCUR conference.

Award Recipients

Upon selection, recipients must agree:

  • To participate in the full NCUR conference and not just their presentation.

  • To submit a brief, one-page statement about their conference experience within three weeks of the conference dates.

  • To submit follow-up documentation (itemized receipts) for full award reimbursement. The awardee will receive a portion of the award prior to their NCUR presentation and the remainder will follow based on follow-up documentation submission.

  • To allow SCCUR to publicize information/photo of the SCCUR Whitney Travel Award recipient on the SCCUR webpage and any associated media/materials.

Email sccurconference@gmail.com for all questions.

Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR)

Current Awardees for 2024

Maggie Hoang, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Sandra Nguyen, California State University, Fullerton

Mona Hassazadeh, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Past Awardees for the William M. Whitney, Ph.D. Travel Award

2023 - Starr Swanson, LA City College