Apply to Mapping Freedom

Below is information on eligibility, application materials, important dates, and a link to access the Mapping Freedom application on the National Science Foundation - Research Experience for Undergraduates site.

Important Dates

Friday, January 31st, 2025 by 11:59PM (ET)

Please note that, due to issues with the NSF application portal, the application period closing was pushed to Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at 11:59PM (ET), and applications submitted after January 31st but before February 4th, the application is considered ‘on-time’ and is being reviewed.

*Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Last Day to Submit an Application:

Decision Announcements:

The decision process consists of several steps. The initial ten accepted applicants will be notified and receive a deadline to accept or deny their offer. Then, further acceptances are sent to those higher on the waitlist as the staff receive offer denials. All applicants will have received decision notices by 5PM (CT) on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Due to planning purposes, any and all offer denials and acceptances are final.

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 - Friday, July 18th, 2025

  • Program & residence hall check-in: Tues., 5/27 between 1PM - 3PM (CT)

  • Long Holiday Weekend: Thurs., 7/3 at 5PM (CT) — Mon., 7/7 at 8AM (CT)

    • The program will not meet on Fri., 7/4; participants may travel as long as plans are after the end-of-workday (5PM CT) on Thurs., 7/3, and they return by 8AM (CT) on Mon., 7/7.

  • Research Symposium & Reception: Thurs., 7/117 1-5PM (CT)

  • Check out of residence hall / end of program:

    • Fri., 7/18 between 2-5PM (CT)

Program Dates:

Eligibility

Applicants must have a 3.0 or greater cumulative GPA, and be interested in digital humanities. Applicants currently in bachelor’s programs must be anticipating graduating either in or after December 2025. However, individuals graduating from an associate’s program in spring 2025 and entering into a four-year bachelor’s program in fall 2025 are permitted to apply. Applicants must be either U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.

Because DH work is so collaborative, we seek applicants who work creatively and respectfully in groups, and who are driven, curious, and highly motivated. We strongly encourage applications by undergraduates from communities who are underrepresented in digital humanities, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This includes women, BIPOC students, first-generation students, student-veterans or active military personnel, and those from underprivileged backgrounds.

If selected, participants cannot hold another obligation—such as an internship, part/full-time work, or enrolled in a course during the program's duration.

No coding experience is required and none is expected.

Application Requirements

Online Application: Application Period for Summer 2025 is between Late October 2024 through 11:59PM (ET) on Friday, January 31st, 2025.

  • Personal Statement: In 5000 characters or less (about 800 words), describe your interest in digital humanities and how you see this REU opportunity advancing your future education and career.

  • Updated Resume or CV: Submitted as a PDF.

  • Updated College Transcript: Official or Unofficial, has to be in PDF format.

  • One Letter of Recommendation: Someone who knows you as a student - professor or advisor.

    • Applicants will provide their reference’s name and email, who will then be contacted directly via the NSF application portal to write and upload a letter of recommendation to the application portal. The applicant will not be able to read the letter at any point in the application process.