The Vertically Integrated Projects Program restructures undergraduate research as long-term, large-scale, multidisciplinary project teams that students join for credit and stay with across multiple terms, working alongside faculty and graduate students on real research problems. The vertical structure means first-years through to PhD students sit on the same team, so knowledge transfers as members graduate rather than resetting each semester. The VIP Consortium is a global non-profit alliance of the institutions running these programmes: 50 member institutions across 16 US states and six continents, with more than 4,500 participating students each term. Documented outcomes include stronger disciplinary, leadership and teamwork skills, higher graduation rates and improved job placement. Students join through their own institution's VIP programme.