URISE: University of Richmond Integrated Science Experience

URISE is a pre-first year summer bridge program which aims to increase the number of students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in science and math disciplines. It achieves this objective by focusing on skill development, providing authentic research experiences, and building a community of support for the students that participate in the program each summer.

To be eligible a student must be passionate about science and interested in a research-based, interdisciplinary approach to their introductory science courses. We are also actively seeking students that value equity and inclusion in the STEM fields. Through a competitive process, up to 20 students per year will be selected as URISE scholars, based on their ability to demonstrate a strong interest in science and math and their potential for success in the URISE program. This program is ideal for students considering science majors, including those interested in biomedical research.

Defining features include:

  • A 2.5 week pre-first-year summer experience that includes participation in a faculty and peer mentored scientific research project as well as numerous team- and skill-building activities;
  • Automatic enrollment into the Science, Math, and Research Training (SMART) course, which includes up to 4.5 units of thematically based integrated science/math coursework (BIOL 192, CHEM 192, MATH 211, and MATH 212)
  • Close faculty and peer mentoring;
  • Eligibility for a paid summer research experience the summer after the first year

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a small monetary stipend. The URISE program will also cover the entire cost of on-campus housing, meals, and campus activities during the week and off-campus excursion on the weekends. Please note that students participating in the URISE program are also expected to enroll in the year-long SMART course.

Summer 2025 Session

The Summer 2025 URISE Session will run from July 7 – July 23.

Apply to URISE

The application for URISE 2025 is coming soon. The application deadline will be on Friday, May 9, 2025. To complete the URISE application, you will need your Spider Portal login information. If you need assistance with accessing your portal, please contact the Office of Admission at (804) 289-8640.

Another Integrated Inclusive Science Program

Students who are accepted to the URISE program will join the Science, Math, and Research Training (SMART) course during their first year. SMART is also available for other STEM-interested students to participate in.

Learn more about Science Math and Research Training (SMART).