BDP Summer Program

Who is eligible to apply?

All registered Hopkins undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Peabody Institute, and the Whiting School of Engineering and in good academic standing (not on academic probation or suspension) are eligible. This program is not open to post-bac students (those students that just graduated)

What is required to apply?

1. Basic information for the online application [name, JHU email, cell number, anticipated year of graduation, campus and permanent addresses, major(s), GPA and demographic information]
2. Your current resume/ CV. Note: HOUR staff is happy to review your resume/ CV and provide feedback and guidance.
3. A Personal Statement/s
   1. Format: single page, ½“ margins, single or double spaced, sans serif font (like Arial or Helvetica).
   2. As you can select up to 3 BDPs of interest, you can submit up to 3 targeted letters or a single letter generic letter for all.
   3. Your personal statement should be you ‘selling you’ to the faculty: Why are you excited about this project and/or faculty member? What do you hope to get out of the opportunity? Is there anything special you are bringing to the project?

How many professors can I pick?

Students can select up to 3 professors (in no particular ranking order) that they are interested in working with. If the student is only interested in working with one professor or is already working with a professor, they should only select that one.

Can I apply to and or receive HOUR opportunities more than once?

Yes, you are encouraged to continue to apply to our programs throughout your undergraduate career at Hopkins. Projects evolve, interests change and HOUR wants to encourage your exploration. In the case of “tied” review scores in an individual program cycle, preference will be given to students that have not previously received funding through HOUR programs.

Note: If you apply to Summer PURA, BDP Summer Program and CIRCUIT for the current summer, you may only participate in one. All require your full time commitment and cannot be done concurrently.

Is there a formal product due at the end of the project?

Yes, all recipients are expected to present their project at DREAMS or one of HOUR’s student seminars held throughout the academic year. This presentation must occur in either the same academic year the award is received or the following year. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis after the recipient contacts the HOUR office about a conflict.

There is also an opportunity for all summer program participants to present at the Hopkins CARES Symposium and Poster Session held in late July on the East Baltimore campus.

Are BDP professors required to participate in this program?

No, all Bloomberg Distinguished Professors are invited to participate annually. We strongly encourage participation as it is valuable and rewarding for the both the students and the faculty. The Bloomberg program covers the cost of up to 2 students per professor ($4000 each student). Additional students can be selected at the expense of the requesting professor. The list of BDP faculty, projects, and number of student they will accept varies from year to year based on participation.

Can professors ‘hard-wire’ undergraduates into their projects for this program?

All interested undergraduates must apply through the SMApply system. If a student is already working with a professor and there is an agreement to hardwire them, the student must still apply through the system. Professors or their selected proxies may select the ‘hard wire’ students during the review process. However, we strongly encourage the review of ALL assigned applicants as great undergraduates could be otherwise be overlooked.

What is required of the participating faculty?

The faculty and their research group or lab is expected to provide an engaging project for the undergraduate to participate in over the summer. The project should both further the research of the faculty and provide beneficial skills, experience and mentorship for the undergraduate participants.

How is funding distributed?

The $4000 award is disbursed on or about June 1 of the summer of their award (as long as the recipient provides completed paperwork to HOUR staff as required). Direct deposit is strongly encouraged for timely receipt of funding.

What can the funding be used for?

Program funding may be used toward living expenses over the summer including rent and food. It can also be used for a new laptop, conference fees, travel, and other discretionary expenses.

Note: the Homewood campus offers limited dorm rooms and a rental sublet list. Contact the housing office for details. Upon request, HOUR is happy to provide a letter assuring the office you are working at the university over the summer.

How are students selected?

Participating faculty and their designees are provided with access to all students that selected them via the SMApply portal. They are unable to see other applicants in the system. Faculty and designees review the applications and documents. They may also reach out to applicants directly to conduct interviews prior to making selections.