Summer Program Overview 

USC's JumpStart Program aims to provide a pathway to PhD programs for undergraduate students. JumpStart works with USC programs to invite diverse candidates from outside institutions to apply for 10-week in-person summer research opportunities in various PhD disciplines. In the past, research opportunities have been in STEM, social sciences and humanities. Available opportunities range from lab-based research to mentored participation in other types of faculty projects. 

JumpStart students will be selected by faculty hosts for their in-person research opportunity with the expectation that students will be devoting, on average, 30-35 hours of research work each week. The program begins June 2, 2025 and ends August 4, 2025. 

Program Benefits

• $5,000 Stipend* 
• Campus housing 
• PhD Mentor
• Health insurance
• Parking passes
• PhD application fee waiver to USC
• Professional development sessions

*All admitted applicants must complete a second process related to stipend eligibility before starting the program. Stipend may be subject to taxation.

Program Structure 

• Full-time commitment 
• Research (approx. 30-35 hours in lab) 
• Professional development sessions 
• Meetings with PhD mentor 
• Check-ins with staff 
• Program dinners 
• Community outings 
• Poster Symposium at the end of the program

*Unable to accommodate summer class or outside work obligation

Eligibility 

• Interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
• Sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in a 4-year college (and continuing as an undergraduate in Fall 2025) OR
• Community college students with at least 30 completed transferrable units (in-state applicants only)

Please direct questions to the program coordinator at GradDIA@usc.edu.