A summer research programme now in its fortieth year, run jointly across Big Ten Academic Alliance universities as a gateway to graduate education. Participants work with faculty mentors on an intensive research project, attend weekly enrichment activities and workshops on graduate admissions and financial aid, and present their work at a campus symposium. A single application lets students apply to up to eight participating summer research programmes at member universities. Eligibility requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, US citizenship or permanent residency, enrolment in a degree-granting programme, at least two completed semesters of undergraduate study with at least one semester remaining after the summer, and a strong interest in pursuing a PhD. More than 600 alumni have gone on to earn doctorates.