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Summer Fellows Program

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Want to get a jump start on your sophomore year this summer?

The Stanford Summer Fellows Program (SSFP) provides a summer academic experience to help First-Generation and/or Low-Income (FLI) undergraduate students get a jump start on their second year at Stanford. SSFP is a residential cohort program that consists of a summer course, research introductory placement, academic advising, and workshops. Only current undergraduate Stanford students in their first year are eligible to apply.

 SSFP Overview  FAQs  Important Dates

How to Apply

Priority Application Deadline: January 23, 2026, 11:59 PM

Regular Decision Deadline: February 13, 2026, 11:59 PM

The 2026 SSFP Application opens in late November 2025.

Course Enrollment and Credit

Summer Quarter 2026: Students will be enrolled in a summer course that fulfills their WR 2 requirement, unless approved to take a different course.

Contact

Reach out to flisummerfellows@stanford.edu with any questions.

Contact SSFP

About the Stanford Summer Fellows Program (SSFP)

SSFP is part of Leveling the Learning Landscape (L3)'s Improving Summer Impact effort that aims to leverage summers to foster early academic success, confidence, and belonging for undergraduate Stanford students. For the summer before the sophomore year, L3 efforts provide research, academic, and experiential opportunities to build their skills and networks for future endeavors and allow time to focus on a key course outside of the academic year.

SSFP is a residential cohort program that brings First-Generation and/or Low-Income (FLI) undergraduate Stanford students together for an eight-week on-campus program during the Summer Quarter between their first and second year. Students will:

  • participate in a half-time research experience for eight weeks,
  • take an approved summer course for credit,
  • explore academic interests,
  • participate in academic and professional development workshops, and
  • engage in community-building activities focused on well-being. 

The Stanford Summer Fellows Program will provide full financial support for all Stanford student participants to enable them to fully engage in this learning opportunity, with summer tuition to cover one course and on-campus housing and dining for the duration of the 8-week program. In addition, each student will receive a $3,000 stipend.

Important Dates

SSFP EventsDate
SSFP Application OpensLate November 2025
SSFP Info SessionsJanuary 13 & 15, 2026
SSFP Priority Application DeadlineJanuary 23, 2026
SSFP Regular Decision DeadlineFebruary 13, 2026
SSFP Selection Notification byLate Winter 2026
SSFP Participant Confirmation of Acceptance byLate Winter 2026
Summer Housing Sign-Up (8-week contract) OpensLate Winter 2026
Summer Course Enrollment OpensApril 6, 2026
Summer Housing Sign-Up (8-week contract) Deadline. Note earlier deadline for OAE Housing Requests.Early Spring 2026
Move from Spring Housing to Summer HousingJune 17-20, 2026
Summer Courses & SSFP Research Placements BeginJune 22, 2026
Last Day of ClassesAugust 13, 2026
Final ExamsAugust 14-15, 2026
Move out of Summer Housing (8-week contract)August 16, 2026

 

 

 

Program Details

Who should apply?

Stanford FLI frosh and first-year transfer students who are:

  • Curious about engaging in a mentored research experience for the first time,
  • Figuring out their major and academic interests, and
  • Excited about joining a supportive community!

Eligibility

  • FLI (First generation and/or low-income)
  • Stanford frosh & first-year undergraduate transfers who will have completed their first 3 quarters by Summer 2026
  • Students who not currently enrolled as Stanford undergraduate students are not eligible for this program.

Commitment

  • Spring Quarter: Orientation
  • Summer Move-In: June 17 - 20, 2026
  • Summer Quarter: June 20 - August 15, 2026

Financial Support

  • Full tuition for one summer course (approved course, 3-5 units)
  • Research placement (8 weeks)
  • Summer room & board on campus (8 weeks + spring-to-summer interim housing)
  • $3,000 summer stipend

For more questions