Student Research Grants

Student research is an integral part of the Knox experience. The majority of students–85%–pursue intensive research or creative projects that go beyond coursework.

Every student has the opportunity to do creative and research work and have a $2,000 Power of Experience grant available. The Gerald and Carol Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study is the hub for connecting students with research opportunities and the support they need to complete the work.

Three programs that support student research and creative work:

1. ASSET Program. A handful of promising juniors are chosen each year for assistance in preparing for careers in teaching or research. They also receive a sizeable stipend to pursue a project, which is typically completed the summer before senior year and often leads to College Honors.

2. Richter Awards. Students can receive funding to engage in independent study or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Since 1995, the Paul K. and Evalyn Elizabeth Cook Richter Memorial Fund has provided more than $1.25 million for Knox student projects.

3. McNair Scholars Program. Each year, 10 sophomores are chosen to work with faculty mentors through their senior year to develop academic and research projects. The program prepares the scholars for graduate and doctoral studies and encourages them to explore research-intensive careers. This program is intended for first generation college students who come from an underrepresented ethnic or racial group in higher education.

4. Power of Experience Grant. A Knox College created grant that provides all incoming Knox students with up $2,000 to support a qualifying experiential learning opportunity during their junior or senior year. Experiences like research or creative work, internships, community service, or study abroad allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom to hands-on, real-world situations. This grant helps with the additional expenses that are often associated with these experiences.