WKU News

The Office of Research and Creative Activity at Western Kentucky University has announced the opening of the Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) Grant Program for the Spring 2026 cycle. This program enables undergraduate students to collaborate with faculty mentors on innovative research, creative, or performance projects, connecting classroom learning with practical experience.

Program Highlights

• Funding and Support: The program offers grants of up to $3,000 for domestic projects or $4,000 for international projects to cover travel, materials, and equipment. Students receive a $500 stipend upon successful project completion.
• Faculty Mentorship: Students work closely with experienced faculty to develop and execute projects aligned with their academic and career goals.
• Professional Development: Participants will present their work at conferences, enhancing their skills and resumes.

Eligibility and Timeline

Undergraduates in good academic standing who will have reached sophomore status by the grant’s Award Date of January 15, 2026, are eligible to apply. Due to the grant cycle (January 15, 2026–May 15, 2027), students graduating in less than two semesters after the award date are discouraged from applying.

Application Process

1. Proposal Submission: Students must submit a Proposal Application through the SPIRIT portal for faculty mentor review and approval by October 31, 2025.
2. Finalize and Submit: Students collaborate with their mentor to refine the application, with final submission and mentor approval due by November 5, 2025.

The FUSE program offers students a unique opportunity to transform their ideas into reality while gaining hands-on experience and mentorship. For eligibility details, project guidelines, or to apply, students can visit the FUSE website or email fuse@wku.edu.