Experiential learning and overseas study can be transformative experiences that offer students valuable new outlooks on career possibilities. Many college students show an early interest in studying abroad, undertaking an internship, or engaging in faculty-supported research, fieldwork, or service learning. But financial barriers often prevent them from carrying out these experiences. The Beyond120 scholarships and Brian and Kate Harfe awards offer significant financial support for students to embark on these life-impacting ventures. They also provide students the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for their programs and share the impact of their experiences with peers.
Beyond120 Scholarship FAQs
What are the Criteria?
Eligibility varies depending on the scholarship. For most scholarships, eligibility is as follows:
- Must have at least a 2.5 UF GPA to apply.
- Must be in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Each applicant must be a UF degree-seeking student to qualify for consideration.
- Students do not need to have been selected for an experiential learning opportunity in order to apply for the scholarship, but must provide proof of acceptance before the scholarship is disbursed.
How Will I Receive Funding if Chosen for a Scholarship?
All scholarships funds will be dispersed directly to your ONE.UF account. Any charges to the student by the university may be taken out of these funds.
Scholarships
The Brian and Kate Harfe International Exchange Award
The Brian and Kate Harfe International Exchange Award provides financial support to students participating in one of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences exchange programs managed by Dr. Harfe. The typical award amount is $400.
The Beyond120 Chemistry Scholars Award
This award provides $3,000 in support for a CLAS student participating in research in the field of chemistry. These funds can be used toward summer housing costs associated with a research experience, conference registration, travel, and other research-related costs.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have an overall 3.0 GPA or higher, be enrolled for at least one credit, and have a graduation date of no sooner than May 2024.
Responsibilities:
Recipients are required to present their research at an academic conference and submit a paper for publication to an academic journal by the end of Spring semester, 2024. Students will also be asked to write a brief reflection on their research experience and participate in one Beyond120 Research student panel discussion.
Applicants must submit:
- A Resume or CV
- A research proposal explaining:
- the project and its significance
- your role in the research and a timeline of their proposed involvement
- how you will benefit from this opportunity personally and professionally.
- A detailed budget accounting for how the money will be used (this can include personal expenses such as housing while conducting research)
- A letter of support from a faculty mentor.
Email your materials directly to Dr. Jacob T. Watson (jacobwatson@ufl.edu) no later than March 17th, 2023.
Last Year’s Award Winner
Alivia Ishee
A Dolphin Scholar, CUR Emerging Scholar, and President of the UF Chemistry Club, Alivia received the 2021 Beyond120 Chemistry Scholars Award for her work with Dr. Yousong Ding of the College of Pharmacy. After receiving the award, Alivia was selected to attend the ACS LEADs conference in Washington, D.C., as one of only 50 candidates from a pool of international undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and early career professionals.
Beyond120 Experiential Scholarships
The Beyond120 program accepts applications for funding support for students engaging in an experiential learning opportunity. Awards are between $500 and $1,000. You may apply to multiple scholarships (Internship/Global/Research), though you can only receive one. Students who have received funding through Beyond120 are eligible to apply, though consideration will be given to first-time applicants.
Beyond120 Research Mentorship in Humanities Award
Beyond120 Research would like to recognize the excellent work of our humanities faculty in supporting undergraduate research. This award will provide one outstanding faculty mentor with a $1000 cash gift as well as a certificate of recognition. The recipient will also be featured and celebrated on the Beyond120/CLAS Advising website.
I am requesting nominations for this award from undergraduate students currently involved in research under the guidance of—or in collaboration with—a faculty member affiliated with a CLAS humanities unit. Students: this is a great way to show your gratitude to a research mentor who has had a positive impact on your life!
What Counts as Research?
Undergraduate research is broadly defined at UF as any activity that produces knowledge (including new interpretation, analysis or critique) that is new to the world—not just new to the student. This can include not only senior theses or projects for University Scholars, CLAS Scholars, and other formal undergraduate research programs, but also papers produced in a classroom setting that present an original argument in conversation with current scholarship on the topic.
Nomination Prompt
To nominate your mentor, you need to submit a statement describing in detail what the working relationship with your mentor has been like and the impact this relationship has had on your academic, personal, and professional life. Please touch upon both the qualities that make this person an excellent mentor as well as specific examples of learning and growth experiences they have made possible for you. Be sure to also include your mentor’s departmental affiliation and list any research awards, publications, or accepted conference presentations you have earned while conducting research with this mentor.
Send your nominations to Dr. Jacob T. Watson at jacobwatson@ufl.edu.
2023 Research Mentorship in Humanities Award Winner
Beyond120 recognizes Dr. Sharon Wright Austin for exceptional mentorship in undergraduate research. Nominated by her student Sophia De La Cruz, Dr. Austin has acted as a model of courage and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to political and social advocacy and supporting student growth through her teaching, research, mentorship.
Dr. Sharon Wright Austin is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Florida. She has published many scholarly articles and three books with research focusing on African-American women’s political behavior, African-American mayoral elections, and rural African-American political activism. Dr. Austin is also a member of the editorial team for the American Political Science Review. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Austin, Sophia has became a Reubin Askew Research Scholar and earned the CLAS Scholars undergraduate research award and the Haskell research award.
"She cares extremely deeply about her students, is willing to go above and beyond to ensure they have access to life-altering enrichment opportunities, and also is respected by academics, scholars and activists across the nation as an expert in her field.” - Sophia De La Cruz
2022 Research Mentorship in Humanities Award Winner
Beyond120 recognizes Dr. Jaime Ahlberg for exceptional mentorship in undergraduate research. Nominated by her student Aimee Clesi, Dr. Ahlberg has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to educational justice, inclusivity, and fostering student growth through her teaching, research, and mentorship. Dr. Ahlberg is an Associate Professor in the department of philosophy, specializing in social and political philosophy and ethical theory. Among other research topics, Dr. Ahlberg has published multiple scholarly articles on educational justice and inclusive education and is currently working on a project on schooling and disability with co-author Dr. Catherine Gavin Loss. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Ahlberg, Aimee has earned a Haskell Fellowship, R.M. Hare Undergraduate Essay Prize, Robert Long Essay Prize, university nominations for the Beinecke, Truman, Marshall, and UK Fulbright Open awards, and a Rhodes Scholarship.
"I believe her dedication to philosophy, devotion to her students, and willingness to go the extra mile in everything she does speaks for itself. She is the kind of professor–and the professor–I hope all UF students meet." - Aimee Clesi
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Science Scholars Program
Bristol Myers Squibb is one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the world. The BMS Science Scholars Program provides students in chemistry, biology, statistics and other scientific disciplines related to pharmaceutical research with funding and support for two semesters of faculty-mentored undergraduate research. All BMS Scholars will be awarded a $2,000 stipend, and $500 in support funding will be provided to their faculty mentor. Your participation in this program will culminate in an opportunity to present your work directly to Bristol-Myers Squibb representatives, allowing you to connect your efforts in the lab to real-world industry applications and open the door to potential career/networking opportunities.
Any student conducting research in a relevant scientific discipline may apply, but research areas of special interest to the program include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Separation Sciences
- Materials Science
- Computational Chemistry
- Data Analytics
- Structural Biology
- Emerging Cell/Gene Therapies
At the end of each academic year, Beyond120 will host a Bristol-Myers Squibb Science Scholar Symposium where each BMS Scholar will have the opportunity to present their research to Bristol-Myers Squibb representatives and the UF community and share their experiences of being a part of the BMS Science Scholar Program. Additionally, there will be exclusive opportunities throughout the academic year to connect directly with researchers from BMS for one-on-one mentorship and career guidance.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have an overall 3.0 GPA or higher, be enrolled for at least one credit, and have a graduation date of no sooner than May 2024.
Responsibilities:
Recipients are required to present their research at the BMS Scholars Symposium in April, 2024. Students may also be asked to produce a post for the Beyond120 student blog and participate in one Beyond120 Research student panel discussion.
Applicants must submit:
- A Resume or CV
- A research proposal explaining:
- the project and its significance
- your role in the research and a timeline of their proposed involvement
- how you will benefit from this opportunity personally and professionally
- A letter of support from a faculty mentor
Email your materials directly to Beyond120@advising.ufl.edu no later than June 26th, 2023.
Experiential Scholarships
The Beyond120 program accepts applications for funding support for students engaging in an experiential learning opportunity. Awards are between $500 and $1,000. You may apply to multiple scholarships (Internship/Global/Research), though you can only receive one. Students who have received funding through Beyond120 are eligible to apply, though consideration will be given to first-time applicants.
The application is currently closed. Pleases check back in the Spring.
CLAS Cares Fund
The CLAS Cares fund was created to support students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who are experiencing obstacles due to unexpected hardships or expenses. This fund can support broad student needs, including helping to continue experiential learning or co-curricular activities during times of uncertainty. There is no deadline for this fund. Applications are received and evaluated on a rolling, weekly basis. Please note that CLAS Cares funds may only be disbursed during academic semesters in which you are registered for coursework.