Deadline: February 3, 2026
Applications are open for the PROPEL Program at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering 2026. The Promoting Research Opportunities in Engineering Labs (PROPEL) at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering is a fully funded eight-week residential summer program designed to increase exposure to research careers and graduate education for promising undergraduate students.
The PROPEL program is an immersive research experience, mentorship, graduate school preparation, professional development and collaborative opportunities to ignite their passion for cutting edge engineering research. Students from under resourced backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, as are those from academic institutions with limited research opportunities in STEM.
Over eight weeks, participants will conduct research with a faculty mentor and participate in activities that will prepare them for success in graduate school, including workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills and networking. Highlights include:
- Interactive and professional development workshops
- Hands on research projects
- Guided mentorship
- Weekly seminars and social activities
- Social activities and community building
- Baltimore and DC excursions
Benefits
- Participants in PROPEL receive housing, a competitive stipend, meal plan and round-trip travel to Baltimore.
- All students will be housed on campus with easy access to shopping, food and public transportation.
Eligibility
- Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States, or its territories as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program (rising juniors and rising seniors will be given priority)
- Have a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD in engineering
- U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
- International students with an F-1 Visa who are already living in the United States and studying at a U.S. university are also eligible to apply
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
Application
Application should include:
- Complete application form
- Research Statement – One page – include research interests, prior research experience and how this program aligns with your future goals. Review departmental websites and identify 2-3 faculty whose research aligns with your research interests.
- Leadership Statement – One page to describe your academic, leadership or service engagement that advances inclusive excellence or helps to reduce social, educational, or economic disparities.
- Resume or CV
- One Letter of Recommendation – The letter must be from an individual that can speak to the applicants academic and research experience (faculty member, research mentor/supervisor, etc.)
- Unofficial Transcripts – Include all semesters to date.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the entire application package, including one letter of recommendation and unofficial transcript(s), is received by Tuesday February 3rd, 2026.
For more information, visit PROPEL Program.
