"CURO Apprentices at UGA are at the bench with their graduate and post-doctoral colleagues, doing cutting-edge research, from trying to validate a new cancer biomarker, to understanding the molecular mechanisms of various congenital diseases, to discovering economically feasible methods for the conversion of grass into gas (biofuels)." --Dr. Lance Wells, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The CURO Apprentice Program is a strong and diverse community of young scholars and investigators who have funded opportunities to work with top faculty from their first semester on campus. Apprentices represent diversity in field of study, geography within Georgia, racial and ethnic backgrounds, with a gender balance. This cohort of 30 first- and second-year students participate together in a weekly Honors seminar complemented by 10-12 hours of individual research experience with their mentors.

About the CURO Apprenticeship | Benefits and Eligibility | Online Application | Current CURO-AP Research Projects | CURO Program

About the CURO Apprenticeship
The CURO Apprentice Program seeks to enrich the academic experience of undergraduate students by engaging them in research during their first and second years. Each year, CURO selects a limited number of incoming first year students from historically underrepresented groups for research apprenticeships. These students are eligible to receive a stipend of $1,000 per semester, for four successive semesters, based on satisfactory performance as an apprentice. Apprentices are required to spend an average of 10 to 12 hours a week under the direction of their respective mentors and attend the CURO seminar led by the Associate Director of Honors.

Former CURO Apprentice Sonia Talathi, a broadcast journalism major now at the Medical College of Georgia, wants to use broadcast media to address health disparities in developing countries. She conducted research in Uganda and wants to set up news networks in Africa to deliver timely and accurate health information.

Benefits of the CURO Apprentice Program

• Begin working with self-selected premier faculty mentors from your first moments on campus.
• Become a member of a community of research scholars.
• Receive an annual $2,000 stipend for the first two years.
• Attend special lectures, workshops, events, and activities.
• Advising by the Honors Program
• Network with current apprentices, successful alumni, faculty, and professionals.
• Participate in a writing-intensive weekly Honors seminar.
• Join the Honors Program and live in Myers Residence Hall.
• Enjoy the support of peer mentoring and teaching assistance.
• Present your work at the annual CURO Symposium.
• Submit your work for publication in the Journal for Undergraduate Research Opportunities.

Eligibility

The Apprentice Program is only available to graduating high school seniors in the state of Georgia who intend to become incoming first year students at the University of Georgia. It is not available to current UGA undergraduates.