Alexander Grass Scholars Program
2026 Application Information
ELIGIBILITY FOR 2026 PARTICIPATION
- Students intending to graduate Fall 2026 or later may apply.
- The GPA requirement is 3.0 and above.
- Must be available to enroll in 3-credit course during Summer A 2026:
IDS 4911, Monday – Friday 11:00AM-12:15PM - Class meetings are in person; no hybrid/remote option.
- No previous research experience is required.
- Students of all majors may apply.
NOTE: University Scholars and CLAS Scholars cannot hold both awards unless they can clearly demonstrate two entirely different research subjects for Fall 2026.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Please read this entire page before beginning your application.
The application includes the following elements:
- Information about the Applicant
- Short Narrative Questions
- Faculty Endorsement (Optional)
FAQ:
How will I receive my funding?
Grass Scholars will receive $2,000 in funding paid out as scholarship funds by CHPS in two installments: $1,500 to be disbursed when the student completes the Summer A course, then $500 after participating in the Research Symposium, where students will present their independent project in the fall term.
These funds may be used at your discretion for your own development and to support your research through the fall.
What kind of applicant is the program looking for?
Successful applicants to the Grass Scholars Program will demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Motivated to learn how to apply humanistic research skills like careful reading, interpretation, writing, and communication to questions about human society and culture.
- Enthusiastic about opportunities for humanities-focused collaborations with UF faculty and staff, Gainesville community members, and peers.
- Serious about pursuing humanities research, both in summer group projects and in a fall individual project.
- Committed to working independently in the fall semester, with mentorship from faculty, staff, and graduate students, with the goal of presenting original research at the end of the term.
- Reliable, responsive, and engaged while collaborating with program staff and fellow Grass Scholars.
What are the requirements for completing the award?
During the term of the award, a Grass Scholar must:
- Complete a face-to-face, 3-credit Summer A class, IDS 4911, that will introduce humanistic methods and questions and involve completion of a group research project.
- Complete an independent humanities research project in the fall semester.
- Present a humanities research poster at the Grass Scholars Research Symposium in November 2026.
- Maintain active participation in the program by staying connected with program staff and research mentors.
- Engage in the life of the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere.
Do I need any prior research experience?
No, you do not need any prior research experience to apply to the program.
Do I need to have a major in the humanities?
No, any major may apply to the program.
Is there a remote or hybrid option for participating in the program?
In the summer, no. Enrollment and regular attendance is required for the in-person course, IDS 4911, which will meet Monday through Friday at 11:00AM-12:15PM. This course is only available to students enrolled in UF main campus and not UF online.
If you have alternative plans in Fall 2026, such as internship or study abroad, please apply to the program but be in touch with CHPS Grass Scholars Coordinator Alison Walsh (humanities-center@ufl.edu)to discuss the details of your plans.
Could I still participate in the program if I am studying abroad in Fall 2026?
Please still apply to the program. However, be in touch with CHPS Program Manager Alison Walsh at humanities-center@ufl.edu to discuss the details of your plan.
How are students assigned to projects?
Once accepted into the program, scholars will be able to submit their order of preference for summer projects. This will be taken into consideration when assigning students to each project.
TIMELINE FOR 2026 GRASS SCHOLARS APPLICATION
Friday, January 23, 2026: Application opens
Thursday, February 12, 2026: Info session | 1:00-2:30 p.m. (Zoom link forthcoming)
Monday, February 23, 2026: Application closes at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, March 2, 2026: Last day for optional faculty endorsement
End of March: Recipients announced and all applicants notified of status
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.: Kickoff Event and Grass Scholars Orientation, CHPS Conference Room, Keene-Flint Hall 013
For questions on the program contact CHPS Program Manager Alison Walsh, at humanities-center@ufl.edu.
About Alexander Grass
Alexander Grass (1927-2009) was an attorney, businessman, and founder of the Rite Aid Corporation, a major national retail drugstore chain. Mr. Grass completed his law degree at UF in 1949. Beyond his success in business, he is remembered for his commitment to community service and his generosity as a community philanthropist. Although Grass originally hailed from and operated his business in Pennsylvania, his generous support of UF’s campus, including the endowed chair in the Center for Jewish Studies, is a testament to the impact of his time as a student here. As noted in a 1997 interview (archived with UF’s Samuel Proctor Oral History Program), the humanities courses he completed at UF fostered an interest in the arts that continued throughout his life.
The Alexander Grass Scholars Program will allow the Center to directly involve undergraduate students in our mission to connect humanities research endeavors with the community where we live and teach. The Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere is honored to be a part of his lasting legacy.