Funding for your summer & IAP experiences
Did you find an amazing experience or a project but you are unsure of how to cover the cost? Review these funding sources available through MIT and apply if it works for you!
Career Exploration Fellowship
Application due: TBD
Award amount: Funding amounts vary
Who is eligible: MIT undergraduates (first years, sophomores, juniors and seniors returning to MIT for a graduate degree)
Description: Funding to complete domestic underfunded experiences within the following industry areas: non-profits, creative or design fields, journalism, sustainability, environmental services, or other research opportunities not affiliated with MIT. Fellowship awards are intended to help offset expenses incurred by completing the experience (ex: living or transportation expenses).
Eloranta Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
Application due: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:59pm
Award amount: $8,000
Who is eligible: MIT undergraduates
Description: The Peter J. Eloranta Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships are awarded each spring to MIT undergraduates who have submitted proposals to conduct novel research or further develop innovative ideas, devices, prototypes, etc.
BCAP Fellowship
Application due: March 18, 2025
Award amount: Funding amounts vary
Who is eligible: MIT undergraduates and graduate students
Description: The BCAP (BAMIT Community Advancement Program) supports student-led public service projects that:
- Recognize the needs of underserved communities of color
- Leverage the creative talents and innovative ideas of MIT students
- Connect these ideas with the wealth of knowledge and experience that alumni have to share
Kelly-Douglas Fund – Traveling Fellowships
Application due: IAP: November 17, 2025 and Summer: TBA
Award amount: up to $1,500
When: IAP & Summer
Who is eligible: MIT sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Description: Undergraduates wishing to travel during IAP or summer to deepen their understanding of a field in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, or to contribute to a humanitarian project are eligible to apply.
Jeffrey L. Pressman Awards
Applications due: February 20, 2026
Award amount: $7,000
When: Summer
Who is eligible: MIT Undergraduates
Description: Stipends in support of special summer projects or internships in issues related to American politics. The project should focus on a legal, political, institutional, or policy issue. All MIT undergraduates returning to campus as undergraduates in the fall semester are eligible to apply.
PKG Center Fellowships
Application due: Tuesday, March 17, at 9:00am for Summer 2026
Award amount: $6,000 – $7,500 (Summer) & $2,500 (IAP)
When: IAP & Summer
Who is eligible: MIT undergraduate and graduate students
Description: As a PKG Fellow, you can develop and implement a social impact project that you design in collaboration with a community partner.
Federal Work-Study Funding
Application timeline: Rolling; Two weeks before desired start date for positions listed as federal work-study eligible on Handshake. Eight weeks before desired start date for student-initiated positions.
Award amount: Hourly rate through the MIT payroll
When: Fall, Spring, IAP and Summer
Who is eligible: MIT undergraduate and graduate students who are eligible for federal work-study funding as part of their financial aid package. Not sure if you qualify? Reach out to federalworkstudy@mit.edu
Description: Build your resume and explore a career path or employment field while helping a nonprofit or government agency deal with complex social or environmental issues.
MIT CIS Summer Research Grant
Application due: March 2026
Award amount: up to $4,000 to cover travel costs related to field work
When: Fall, Spring, IAP, and Summer
Who is eligible: PhD candidates
Description: Funding for summer research projects to PhD candidates whose work focuses on international studies. Research on a broad range of issues will be considered; students from all MIT departments are eligible to apply.
If you need help with your application, CAPD is happy to help! Simply schedule an appointment.
