Professional Development & Resources
The MAA’s National Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (NREUP), supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers grants for mathematical sciences faculty to host summer research programs for undergraduate students. NREUP aims to increase undergraduate completion rates and encourage students to pursue graduate studies by involving them in research after completion of their sophomore year – a pivotal stage in their academic journey.
NREUP supports programs that help students build strong connections with faculty mentors and equip them with the tools and support they need to thrive. Competitive proposals will exhibit strong potential to contribute to increasing STEM degree attainment, graduate studies in the mathematical sciences, and/or preparing the STEM workforce for the future in ways that might not be accomplished without the opportunities provided by this program.
Since its inception in 2003, the MAA has facilitated the recruitment and mentorship of undergraduate research students through NREUP. The program began with a pilot funded by the National Security Agency (NSA), serving eight students at three sites. Over the years, NREUP has evolved into a comprehensive program with past support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), National Security Agency (NSA), the Moody’s Foundation, and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
Call for Proposals
Please review the Call for Proposals below and submit your application by February 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Application submission form is coming soon.
Funding Details
- Applicants may request up to $35,000, including indirect costs.
- Applicants must budget for at least four students to be supported.
- Applicants may request stipends up to a total of $5,500 for faculty and other project leads.
- Applicants may request student support including:
- at least a $4,500 stipend per student
- up to $2,000 per student for room and board
- funding for travel to present their work
- All awards are contingent upon NSF funding.
Indirect Costs
- Applicants may budget indirect costs consistent with their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) from the federal government, provided the total does not exceed $35,000. Applicants must include their NICRA Letter as supporting documentation in the application. If Applicants do not have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with a federal agency, they may use a de minimus rate of up to 15% of modified total direct costs.
- Indirect costs cannot be applied to participant support costs.
- The maximum award of $35,000 is inclusive of both direct and indirect costs.
Who May Apply
- Applications are accepted from faculty or staff at U.S. (and U.S. territories) colleges, universities, or nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status.
- Students may not apply; however, they can discuss this opportunity with their faculty at their institutions who may be interested in leading an NREUP.
Timeline
The MAA National Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (NREUP) will follow the approximate timeline below.
Application and Review Period
November 20, 2025: Call for Proposals released and application period opens
December 17, 2025: Informational webinar, 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
February 4, 2026 (11:59 PM ET): Proposal submission deadline
March 2026: Notification of awards (pending renewal of NSF funding)
Program Implementation
May–August 2026: NREUP summer research program period (minimum seven weeks)
September 2026: Final program and financial reports due
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are accepted from institutions / faculty. You can discuss this opportunity with your mathematics faculty and see if they would be interested in submitting a proposal and leading this research project.
Students do not have to attend the host university. This is at the discretion of the project lead. If a student wishes to participate in an NREUP, he/she should consult any faculty member in the department who may be interested in designing and operating a research program to apply and host through that institution. If no faculty member applies or is awarded a program, the student may contact the director of another university’s program that is local or closest to their location asking to participate. NREUP will not cover long-distance travel for students to join a program.
This is not a requirement. It is meant to allow directors to accept students with less experience than might be required at a “typical” REU site.
Any student with sufficient background in mathematics is welcome to participate in the program. These students should be expected to do and not simply use mathematics during the program.
Indirect costs may be included following the guidelines above. Institutions with a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) must submit a copy of this agreement as part of their application. If the applicant’s institution is not requesting payment of indirect costs from this grant, then an applicant may choose to submit a proposal without indirect costs.
This program is supported by National Science Foundation Award No. DMS 2349708. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.