UConn IDEA Grant Program Overview

UConn IDEA Grant LogoDo you have an original research question to explore, a creative idea to develop, or an early-stage initiative or service project you’re ready to launch? The UConn IDEA Grant gives you the opportunity to innovate, create, and explore. Take ownership of your ideas, follow your interests, and turn your vision into something real. With the UConn IDEA Grant, you can work on a project that matters to you and bring your ideas to life.

The UConn IDEA Grant fosters creativity, innovation, research, and service by helping students turn their ideas into action. UConn undergraduates from all majors and all campuses can apply for up to $6,000 to support a self-designed project. Projects may include original research, creative work, early-stage entrepreneurial ventures, service initiatives, or other innovative ideas.

Since its launch in Spring 2013, the UConn IDEA Grant program has supported 27 student groups and impacted over 490 students.

Spotlight on UConn IDEA Grant Recipients

Iris Yu with several of her paintings in the background, text: Meet the Undergraduate: Iris Yu (CLAS, SFA) - link: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/10/meet-the-undergraduate-iris-yu-26-clas-sfa/.

Student Sydney Kolz in a salt marsh with high reeds surrounding her - Text: Do Bugs Like Salt? UConn Student Studying Salt's Impact on Phragmites Feasting" - Link: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/11/do-bugs-like-salty-snacks-uconn-student-studying-salts-impact-on-phragmites-feasting/.

Emily Finch holding out a small black bird puppet and small black sheep puppet with text: Senior's Retelling of Folktales Headed to Stage, link: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/04/seniors-retelling-of-folktales-headed-to-stage/.

Evan Elmore in a dark theater with text: Scene Summer: UConn Film Student Documenting Underground Music in Connecticut - link: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/07/scene-summer-uconn-film-student-documenting-underground-music-in-connecticut/.

Close up picture of Josephine Burke with trees in the background, text: Prison-Banned Books Inspire Examination of Education While Incarcerated for Ambitions Undergrad, Link: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/07/prison-banned-books-inspire-examination-of-education-while-incarcerated-for-ambitious-uconn-undergrad/.

Image of Bryce Turner looking at the camera with trees on the UConn Storrs campus in the background, Text: What Happens When Local Hospitals Stop Delivering Babies?, Link: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/10/what-happens-when-local-hospitals-stop-delivering-babies-uconn-anthropology-student-is-hoping-to-find-out/.

Nadine Noaman '26, Uncovering UConn Muslim History - https://today.uconn.edu/2024/10/month-of-discovery-nadine-noaman-26-uncovering-uconn-muslim-history/.

“Senior’s Artwork Delves into Struggles Between First-, Second-Generation Immigrant Families” - with link to https://today.uconn.edu/2024/03/seniors-artwork-delves-into-struggles-between-first-second-generation-immigrant-families/.

“UConn Student’s Trans Photography Project Has One Simple Goal—To Affirm” - with link: https://today.uconn.edu/2023/10/uconn-students-trans-photography-project-has-one-simple-goal-to-affirm/.

Link to UConn Today article: Meet the Undergraduate Researcher: Sarah Marze, School of Fine Arts.

UConn is the Muse for Students Recording Songs Inspired by Campus Spots. Link to UConn Today article.

Link to UConn Today article featuring IDEA Grant Recipient Madeline Kizer '24 - Swap, Don't Shop: Sustainable Fashion is Coming to UConn.

Link to UConn Today article featuring IDEA Grant recipient Jasmine Morris '23 - Jasmine Morris Harnesses the Therapeutic Power of Animals for Underserved Students.

Puppetry Photography: Overcoming Loneliness. Learn more about IDEA Grant Recipient Elise Vanase '21.

The Next Generation of Conservation: A Short Documentary Film. Click the link to learn more and view the film.

Connecticut Agriculture is Showcased in UConn Students' Documentary.

Meet the Researcher: Valeria Sarmiento.

UConn Students Use Grant to Create Documentary About Yosemite.

Link to UConn Today Article. Cognitive Garden Takes Root at UConn Avery Point.

Margo Bailey '17

Eva Hu '18

Diana Abouchacra '17

Eva Hu '18

Louise Astorino Exhibition Article

Ben Piascik '17

Gabriel DeRosa '17

Elizabeth Charash '18

John Cody Performance Article

STEMTalk Launch

Calliope Wong

Stephen Hawes '17

Search for the White Rose documentary

Nathan Wojtyna

Cate Solari Exhibition Article