»SPIRE Fellows Program

SPIRE Fellows is a new program that helps first- and second-year Chapman students find STEM internships and research opportunities. As an engineering student, joining SPIRE is a great way to get involved and gain experience.

The SPIRE Fellows Program:

• Connects you with internship and research opportunities.
• Offers professional development opportunities and additional guidance.
• Is a paid program. Students in the program will receive a $700 stipend.
• Is open to all Chapman students, regardless of class standing or major (including exploratory majors).
• Accepts 25 applicants per year.
• Assists students from traditionally underrepresented groups. This includes students of color, first-generation students, veterans, transfer students and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Apply to the SPIRE Fellows Program

Before applying to the program, please read the following eligibility criteria carefully.

To be eligible to apply to SPIRE, you must be:

• A first- or second-year undergraduate student at Chapman, or an undergraduate transfer student.
• Interested in finding an internship or research opportunity in STEM.
• Willing to commit to all SPIRE program requirements. (See the list of requirements further down on this page.)

How to apply

The application period for the 2024–25 academic year has ended. This section will be updated when applications for 2025–26 open.

For questions, feel free to email Dr. Jeremy Hsu at hsu@chapman.edu.

SPIRE benefits

If you are accepted into the SPIRE Fellows Program, you will receive:

• Personalized support for identifying and applying to research opportunities or internships in STEM.
• A $700 stipend.
• Access to a professional development course in your spring semester as a SPIRE Fellow. The course will be taught by professional career advisors. They can provide guidance and support on exploring different careers; finding jobs, internships and research opportunities; writing resumes, cover letters and job applications; and going to interviews.
• Monthly small group meetings with a near-peer mentor. Your near-peer mentor will be an upper-division student or recent Chapman graduate. They will provide you with guidance and feedback as you complete your internship or research.
• A field trip to the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
• A letter of completion at the end of the program acknowledging your participation as a SPIRE Fellow.
• Participation in a community of like-minded students interested in exploring STEM careers.

SPIRE Requirements

All SPIRE Fellows must:

• Remain in good standing as an undergraduate student at Chapman. This means being currently enrolled and not facing any significant disciplinary issues.
• Participate in monthly small group meetings with their mentors.
• Enroll in a 1-unit professional development course exclusive for SPIRE Fellows in the spring semester.
• Engage in all SPIRE program activities, such as career excursions or career interviews.
•  Commit to applying to research opportunities or internships in STEM disciplines supported by the program — see below for info.