By Brian Graf
The Office of Research and Creative Activities gives students the opportunity to attend workshops today and learn how they may be awarded a $1,500 grant.
ORCA awards grants of $1,500 to students who are seeking to do research and obtain experience in their specific field. It ranges from art to sports, from archaeology to communications. Students are able to receive the grant no matter their chosen area of study.
“It provides a one-on-one research experience with a faculty member who is a subject matter expert,” said Mel Carr, Associate Director of the Office of Research and Creative Activities.
Carr said the experiences obtained by the grant look good on a resume and have made a difference for past students when applying to graduate schools or jobs.
Students applying for ORCA need to have a faculty mentor who will help them plan out and achieve their goals in order for the student to make the most of the opportunity provided by the grant.
Students must write a two-page paper explaining the reasons they want an ORCA grant, and the reasons they think it will be beneficial for them and others.
ORCA is offering workshops today explaining to students what is expected in the paper. There will be a workshop geared toward the sciences from 11 a.m. to noon. A general workshop will be from 3 to 4 p.m. All workshops will be in the Varsity Theatre (WSC). To register for a workshop, students must send an e-mail to and include name and the desired workshop to attend.
These workshops help students get started in the process to apply, but the actual application isn”t due until Oct. 22 by midnight. This will give students time to make goals with their mentors and organize their papers.
Leilani Fisher, the ORCA Feature Writer, said the focus of the grant is to help students achieve their academic goals. It gives students opportunities for hands-on research or a creative project that goes above and beyond the classroom.
ORCA grants come from donors through LDS Philanthropies to help students reach their full potential. The check is written to the student and a part of it is given to the professor who is the mentor.
