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NHSEMP Sophomore Success TRACs Program 2026
The 8-week Sophomore Success Teaching & Research Action Clusters (SS TRACs) summer program provides accelerated learning and research experiences for UH mid-level undergraduate students each summer term. Students will enroll in degree-required STEM courses for credit, participate in faculty-driven research experiences, and attend weekly advising and development workshops.
The following students are encouraged to apply:
Transferring STEM students from the UH CC campuses;
Strong interest in / connection to Hawaiian culture, values, and relationship to STEM; and
Minimal research experience
Program DATES: May 26 - July 17, 2026
Final Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 (Friday, by 11:59pm HST)
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their application early!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The NHSEMP Sophomore Success TRACs: A Summer STEM Research Experience is an 8-week STEM summer program with foundations in cultural values, identity, and practices that addresses areas of interest for mid-level undergraduate UH system students:
Completing STEM-required gateway courses
Gaining STEM research experience under the guidance of UH faculty & graduate mentors
Transitioning to the UH Mānoa campus
Getting involved and building a network of STEM peers, faculty & staff, and professionals!
Students will participate in the following program activities:
Faculty-driven STEM research experience at the UH Mānoa campus (15-20 hrs/week)
3-credit degree-required UH summer STEM course
Summer Session I courses are encouraged
Weekly NHSEMP ʻOi Ka Naʻauao Spotlight Series (professional development, cultural engagement, spotlight speakers)
Identify and learn about the connection between Hawaiʻi’s unique culture and STEM!
Design and deliver a formal research presentation at the annual NHSEMP STEM Summer Symposium (July 2026)
Expand your network and community of STEM peers, faculty & staff, and professionals!
PROGRAM BENEFITS
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The NHSEMP SS TRACs program covers the following items:
Paid tuition for a 3-credit, degree-required summer STEM course (up to $1,527)
Meal points for UH Mānoa on-campus lunch (M-F) throughout the duration of the program ($550)
Educational stipend upon successful completion of the program (up to $1,000)
Supplies needed for research experiences
Costs for ʻOKN Spotlight Series workshops
Ground transportation to/from program site visits
ELIGIBILITY
ELIGIBILITY
The NHSEMP Sophomore Success TRACs program application is open to students in STEM majors studying at any of the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) System campuses.
We strongly encourage applications from students who meet the following -
Majoring in STEM degrees at UH Mānoa or
Majoring/intending to major in STEM degrees with the intention of transferring to UH Mānoa for 2026-27 AY from UH CC campuses;
Strong interest in / connection to Hawaiian culture, values, and relationship to STEM; and
STEM students who have minimal research experience prior to summer 2026.
HOW DO I APPLY?
HOW DO I APPLY?
Complete and submit your 2026 Sophomore Success (SS) TRACs Application packet by the final deadline of April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM (HST)
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their application early!
The supplementary documents listed below must be submitted by:
Uploading directly into the electronic 2026 SS TRACs application form (link is below)
NOTE: Letter(s) of Recommendation must be submitted directly from your references.
Cover Letter - a format guideline is provided in the SS TRACs application form.
Resume or CV - please be sure to include the following information in your resume:
i. Work, volunteer, or research experience;
ii. Laboratory, computer, technical, or other relevant skills;
iii. Community service, extracurricular activities, or related hobbies you participate in; and
iv. Honors, awards, and scholarships
Letter of Recommendation, One (1) - from professors or academic advisors; submitted directly to nhsemp@hawaii.edu
CLICK HERE to access the "2026 NHSEMP Sophomore Success TRACs - Academic References" form
Fill out the form to provide professor/advisor contact information. NHSEMP staff will directly contact the reference(s) you provide.
NOTE: this is a separate form from the Application - please submit this form as soon as possible to provide your references enough time to complete their letters.
Link to 2026 NHSEMP Sophomore Success TRACs Application: go.hawaii.edu/PqD
QUESTIONS?
QUESTIONS?
Contact NHSEMP UH Mānoa at nhsemp@hawaii.edu with Subject Header: "Question - 2026 SS TRACs Program"
Please allow 24-72 business hours for a response.
PAST RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
PAST RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
The NHSEMP SS TRACs summer participants often work closely with our other NHSEMP summer programs.
Research highlights from our recent summer cohorts include all summer program interns: CLICK HERE
Link to Sophomore Success TRACs Application: go.hawaii.edu/PqD or:
NHSEMP Sophomore Success TRACs is sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Hawaiʻi Pacific Foundation grants.
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