Awards for Research in Engineering and Science (ARES) are MSGC's entry-level undergraduate research experience awards. ARES work can be in any non-medical STEM field, though NASA-related projects are preferred. More information and the application link are below. 

ARES applications for all schools other than MSU can be submitted any time. Applicants must, however, include a plan for research work during a specific time period, typically three months. Students may apply to work during the winter break, but not during the summer. Applications for summer work must be sent via the internship portal. MSU Bozeman applications are done through the Undergraduate Scholars Program and are typically due in mid-September and mid-December.

Non-MSU applications are awarded on a rolling basis - applications can be submitted any time except April - July. 

ARES application form

Past ARES project titles

Helpful instructions for writing an undergraduate research proposal 

The ARES Program includes the following elements:
  • A student must be enrolled for at least 6 semester credits at a Montana Space Grant Consortium campus.
  • A student and faculty mentor work as a team on a project. The project should go beyond what is taught in the classroom and be an honest research experience (no bottle-washing or lab-sweeping). Funding is for compensation of a student's time, not supplies, on a research project.
  • The student must complete an application form and write a 2-4 page proposal, including:
    • a project title
    • explanation of the problem to be studied and how that relates to NASA's mission
    • goals to be achieved
    • experimental approach
    • Timeline
    • references
    • Please include an estimate of how many hours you anticipate working on your project per week.
  • The faculty mentor must write a supporting letter, describing how the student will contribute to the research project, and indicating support for the proposal. If you need to resubmit the request, please follow the directions on How do I resend or change a reference request?
  • Student awards are paid at $15/hour, up to 160 hours per year. The awards will be distributed through the MSU payroll system with bi-weekly hours submitted by the students.
  • A final report of at least 2 pages must be completed at the end of the term. Submit final report here:

https://spacegrantmontana.submittable.com/submit/131480/final-report

Visit our Members page for further contact information for individual campus Space Grant Representatives.

If you are awarded ARES funding, you must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training course, here:

https://spacegrant.montana.edu/rcr.html