The Freshman Research Initiative is changing lives by getting students engaged, right from the start, in real-world scientific research. Here at UT Austin, our FRI program is helping more students graduate on time and with the science, math and technology degrees that the economic forecasters say our nation needs.
Your investment in the FRI allows more students who want to learn to be scientists to experience the process of scientific discovery firsthand.
Gifts to the program help to:
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Serve more students
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Support FRI infrastructure
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Fund summer research
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Expand to new disciplines
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Add new Research Streams
FRI ENDOWMENT FOR A NEW GENERATION
In 2016, we have launched an initiative to build the FRI Endowment for a new generation. This is a permanent and sustainable fund that yields annual interest to support the program and grows over time. For example, a $25,000 endowment yields about $1,250 annually, a gift that spans the years and keeps on giving.
WHAT YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS
The students of the FRI appreciate every gift, of every size! Here are some examples of support that your gift can provide:
| $1,250-$5,000 | Provides student scholarships and summer fellowships so they can continue their research when fall and spring semesters are not in session. |
| $10,000 | Year-long support for undergraduate student peer mentors for an entire FRI stream. These undergraduates are those who have been through the FRI experience, and are hired to continue their research and help train and collaborate with freshman students joining the stream |
| $15,000 | Year-long support for supplies for a Research Stream. |
| $25,000 | Minimum funding level to establish an Undergraduate Innovation Research Endowment to support FRI annually. Funds can be used for research equipment and supplies, research educators, curriculum design, student support and the student research awards. |
| $65,000 | Supports the annual cost of one Research Educator (PhD-level scientist) who mentors ~35 students plus undergraduate peer mentors within one research stream. |
| $100,000 | Underwrite an entire Freshman Research Initiative Research Stream for one year. Each new stream opens a new area of research for students. |
| $1,500,000 | Endow in perpetuity a Freshman Research Initiative Stream which will promote science discovery for generations to come. Endowments at all levels between $25,000-$1,500,000 welcome and appreciated. |
To learn more about specific ways you can support FRI and its students, please contact:
Dr. Kara Rogers, Director of Freshman Research | khrogers@austin.utexas.edu
Zak Richards, College of Natural Sciences Development Office
Phone: 512-232-0699 | zrichards@austin.utexas.edu
