Coming up in the Honors College

• NOW: NEW HONORS SPRING COURSES
• 01/20: Honors College Travel Scholarships Deadline
• 01/27: Volunteers Needed - Participatory Defense

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ANNOUNCEMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES    

Grand Challenges Forum
The New Grand Challenges Forum encourages students to think critically, discuss openly and learn unequivocally. The New Grand Challenges Forum offers students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community a time to hear a wide range of lectures dedicated to a compelling theme. Fridays from 1-2 p.m. in the Honors College Commons.

Friday, January 23, 2026 
Adam Suhr 
Senior Executive Vice President, Frost Bank
"Capitalism, Jobs, and Innovation Deep in the Heart of Texas"

Friday, February 6, 2026
Scott Crider, Ph.D.
Professor of English, University of Dallas
"Bottom's Freedom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Friday, February 20, 2026 
Jason Casellas and Jennifer -Clark  Co-authors, Governing Texas
and Debbie Harwell -Editor, Houston History
"From a Republic to the Leading State of the United States"

Lyceum Lecture Series
The Lyceum Initiative hosts a Lecture Series each academic year, focused on a theme of special interest to its mission. The theme for 2026 is "The Declaration at 250!" Each talk in the 2026 Lecture Series will focus upon one of the fundamental principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence, signed by delegates to the Continental Congress in July of 1776.

January 30, 2026
"When in the Course of Human Events..."
Colonial Self-Governments and the American Experience
Dr. Douglas Erwing, J.D. and Ph.D. in History, University of Houston

February 27, 2026
"We Hold these Truths to be Self-Evident..." 
Natural Rights and a New American Republicanism
Dr. Lisa Pace Vetter
Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

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NEW HONORS SPRING COURSES

The U.S. Since 1877
HIST 1302-52 (Class Number 27530) 
Vale  / Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7 p.m.
This class is an introduction to the past 150 years of American life. We will investigate topics as diverse as labor strikes, immigration, beauty culture, popular music, war and protest, highways, illegal substances, gender ideas, and the beef industry. We will also pay close attention to what historians call the “growth of the modern state.” Finally, this class will teach you to read and write like a historian: with care and creativity.

US Govt: Congress, President & Courts
GOVT 2305-51 (Class Number 27338)
Williamson / Mondays and Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m 
Introduction to the institutions of government with an emphasis on the congress, the president, and the federal courts. 

Now Enrolling - Community Health Worker Training Certification Program
Be part of the next cohort of Community Health Workers! Enrollment is now open for Spring 2026, with classes running from February 6 through May 8, 2026. Courses are offered in both English and Spanish and are available in person as well as online via Zoom. Partial and full tuition waivers are available for UH Main Campus undergraduate and graduate students. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE Reach out to chwi@central.uh.edu for more information.

Honors College Travel Scholarships
The Honors College Travel Scholarships application is open again! Travel with Honors from Washington, D.C. to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Students participating in an Honors faculty-led learning abroad or learning away program or Honors students participating in a UH faculty-led or nonaffiliated program may apply for funding opportunities, regardless of financial need. No formal acceptance for your planned trip is required. Apply now at www.thehonorscollege.com/travelscholarships before January 20, 2026

Present at the Capital of Texas Undergraduate Research Conference (CTURC)
We are excited to announce that the Capital of Texas Undergraduate Research Conference (CTURC) will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UT Austin. We encourage undergraduate students to apply to participate and present their research, joining peers from institutions across Texas for a day dedicated to undergraduate scholarship and collaboration

The deadline for submissions is January 23 , 2026, APPLY HERE  Contact Saisha Salpekar at saisha.salpekar@utexas.edu for questions and more information. 

Volunteers Needed - Participatory Defense
Participatory Defense is a community powered program that supports people facing criminal charges. Volunteers help families understand the court process, create support materials, and work together to impact case outcomes and challenge inequities in the justice system. We are looking for compassionate & reliable people interested in writing, research, or community outreach and passionate about fairness and justice. Contact mnjoseph@cougarnet.uh.edu for more info. Volunteers start January 27, 2026.

2026 Undergraduate Research Day - Call for Submissions
Undergraduate Research Day, hosted each spring by OURMA, brings together hundreds of visitors to celebrate the work of undergraduate researchers across all disciplines who showcase their work in poster presentations. Poster submissions are now open for the 21st annual Undergraduate Research Day, which will be held on April 9, 2026, in the M.D. Anderson Library. Any currently enrolled UH student or fall 2025 graduate who conducted a mentored research project since spring 2025 is welcome to submit a faculty mentor-approved poster. Please read all requirements on the presenter information webpage before submission.LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by March 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Interested in Global Affairs, The Alexander Hamilton Society
The Alexander Hamilton Society is a non-partisan student organization dedicated to fostering healthy discussion on U.S. foreign, economic, and national security policy. By providing educational programming that supports the intellectual and professional development of future global leaders. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, AHS aims to encourage thought-provoking engagement on foreign policy imbued with the perspective of strong and principled American leadership in global affairs. we ask:
so… do you think you can fix American foreign policy? Get invoved by filling out the Interest Form HERE For questions, email:  alexanderhamiltonsociety.uh@gmail.com

Kscholastic Inc. Hiring In-person STEM and Latin Tutors!
Kscholastic is currently hiring In-Person Academic Tutors, with an urgent need for tutors in STEM subjects (Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) and Latin to support our K-12 student base across the Houston area. We are looking for motivated individuals who possess not only deep subject matter expertise but also exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Ideal candidates are highly organized, reliable, and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Crucially, tutors must be able to explain complex concepts clearly, adapt their teaching style to diverse learning needs, and foster a positive, encouraging learning environment. This role requires in-person tutoring in the Houston area, so candidates must have a personal vehicle for transportation. Applicants must be available a minimum of two evenings per week. We offer a competitive starting wage of $35-40/hour, with pay increases based on experience. If you are passionate about education and possess the skills to inspire academic confidence, please apply! To learn more and apply, click here. Contact office@kscholastic.com for any questions. Visit the website at: https://www.kscholastic.com/

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TRAVEL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Honors College Learning Abroad Opportunities

Freedom of Conscience in Central Europe: Germany, Czech Republic, Poland
This trip is a cultural tour of central European cities— Berlin, Munich, Prague, and Krakow highlighting historical and cultural landmarks. It includes engagement with figures of political courage like Vaclav Havel, Martin Luther, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and visits to sites such as the Berlin Wall, Munich’s medieval castles and cathedrals, Prague’s Old Town, and historic Krakow. Open to all undergraduates of all majors! No course enrollment necessary!  TRAVEL DATES: May 17-28, 2026 LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Science in the American Democracy - Washington D.C
A unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science and society in our nation’s capital. Led by Dr. Rita Sharp. This trip, will lead students to visit Washington, D.C.'s renowned memorials and museums, tour the National Institutes of Health, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Arlington National Cemetery and many other landmarks. TRIP DATES: March 14-20, 2026

*Dr Rita Sharp's students must be currently enrolled in or have completed BIOL 3350 (Science Communication Strategies) for Science in the American Democracy.
LEARN MORE HERE

250 Years of the American Experiment
Exploring the evolution of American democracy, identity, and ideals, Led by Dr. Carol Cooper.
A unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science and society in our nation’s capital. This trip, will lead students to visit Washington, D.C.'s renowned memorials and museums, tour the National Institutes of Health, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Arlington National Cemetery and many other landmarks. TRIP DATES: March 14-20, 2026

There is no enrollment necessary for 250 Years of the American Experiment with Dr. Carol Cooper. All undergraduates of all majors are welcomed to apply. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

2026 Boren Awards
The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad in locations that are critical to U.S. national security. Undergraduate scholars and graduate fellows have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or self-identify their own study program. Boren Scholars can receive up to $25,000 and fellows up to $30,000 in awards. Recipients are eligible for exclusive opportunities and preferential consideration for federal government jobs. All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older at the time of the national application deadline, and remain matriculated in a degree program at a U.S. post-secondary institution for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE  Boren Fellowships Submission Deadline: January 21, 2026 or 
Boren Scholarships Submission Deadline: January 28, 2026

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three- to four-week programs for US undergraduate students to explore the culture, heritage, and history of the United Kingdom while experiencing higher education at a UK university. There are six participating universities with different focuses on a specific historical, cultural, or subject-related theme. Applicants must be US citizens with a passport, have a minimum 3.6 GPA, and have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after completion of the program. Submission Deadline is  February 2, 2026. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

2026 Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. An eligible applicant must be a full-time junior-level student at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor's degree during the 2025-2026 academic year, in the upper quarter of their class, and a U.S. citizen. A competitive applicant has an extensive record of public and community service, has outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, and is committed to a career in government or elsewhere in public service, as defined by the Foundation. Applications must be submitted as a campus nomination - please contact Dr. Ben Rayder (btrayder@central.uh.edu) if you are interested in applying for this scholarship. LEARN MORE ABOUT TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP HERE Submission Deadline is February 3, 2026

2026 Sumners At-Large Scholarship
The Sumners Foundation is offering the At-Large Sumners Scholarship to rising juniors with 4 semesters remaining in their undergraduate work. Scholarships are up to $40,000 paid in $10,000 increments in spring and fall semesters for the junior and senior year in an accredited college or university in Texas or Oklahoma. Sophomores in their second semester in Spring 2026 are the ideal candidate. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required and must be maintained to retain the scholarship. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, and a permanent resident of certain qualifying U.S. states. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST

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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

2026 Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program
The BCM Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART) Program provides frontier-level, biomedical summer research projects for undergraduates in a supportive environment with supplemental educational activities. Projects will span the spectrum of biomedical science, including projects in bioengineering and computational biology. This program will offer a compensation package of approximately $5,400 - either full salary or a combination of salary and allocation for housing or travel. Eligible applicants must be continuing students at a U.S. university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. First-year applicants must have prior research experience. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by January 30, 2026

2026 Mellon Research Scholars Program
Offered by OURMA, the Mellon Research Scholars program supports a cohort of students who are highly motivated to conduct research and attend graduate school in the humanities. Participants will engage in professional development activities in the spring and fall semesters and conduct full-time research over the summer, receiving a stipend totaling $5,000. Participants can also receive up to six points toward the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation. Eligible applicants must be in a humanities discipline and graduating in fall 2026 or spring 2027. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 2, 2026

Research Experiences in Pediatric Prosthetics REU - University of Central Florida
The Research Experiences in Pediatric Prosthetics NSF REU Program at the University of Central Florida offers experience in research focused on the application of pediatric prosthetics through art and technology. Students will be assigned in multidisciplinary pairs and work with previously established research teams. In addition to experiencing and participating in this research, students will receive a $6,300 stipend, travel funds, on-campus housing, and a meal plan. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, are sophomores or up, and possess a minimum 2.7 GPA. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 2, 2026

Nanotechnology REU - Northwestern University
The Northwestern University International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Nanotechnology program. Participants will work full-time on a nanotechnology research project, access world-class equipment and facilities, enjoy research seminars and field trips, enhance their public speaking and technical writing skills, and participate in team events. Participants receive a $6,300 stipend and airfare, a meal plan, and dormitory housing. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years-old, majoring in engineering or the sciences, and have at least one year left in their undergraduate degree program. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE by February 9, 2026

Summer Research Opportunities Program - Michigan State University
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at MSU provides undergraduate students from across the U.S. with an 11-week research collective to advance their future studies in STEM and social sciences disciplines. In this program, participants will participate in intense research activities and other supplemental opportunities like presentations, seminars, and workshops. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least two semesters of an undergraduate program, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be a U.S. citizen. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HEREby February 10, 2026.

Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Experience - Michigan State University
Participants in this training program will be selected and trained in areas of reproductive biology and developmental sciences and participate in career development workshops to prepare them for graduate school. The opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) may also be available. Travel, lodging and a monetary stipend will be provided to the selected students. Preferentially, juniors or rising seniors are invited to apply, and students are encouraged to select a research program of interest. Applications should be sent as an email attachment to Laurie Felton (ljfelton@msu.edu) by February 26, 2026. Learn more about the program HERE