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

Image: Two people standing side by side in a well-lit indoor hallway with dark wood trim and paneled walls. One person is wearing glasses and a blue-and-white checkered sweater, and the other is wearing a white knit sweater. Both are facing the camera. The corridor extends into the background with doors along both sides and overhead lighting. Text: IDEA Grants Allow SIsters to Share Passion" with link: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/10/idea-grants-allow-sisters-to-share-passion/.

Text: "Using Math and Science to Tell a Story, Engineering Student Adds in Some Magic Too" with link to UConn IDEA Article: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/10/using-math-and-science-to-tell-a-story-engineering-student-adds-in-some-magic-too/ - Image Description: Illustrated fantasy scene featuring a winged red dragon emerging from an open book, with a fairy-like figure in green clothing holding up a glowing star-shaped wand. The dragon's golden wings stretch across the image, while a castle tower, swirling decorative lines, crescent moon, stars, and magical sparkles surround the book. Warm shades of red, gold, and cream create a whimsical storybook atmosphere that blends imagination, magic, and adventure.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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.

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/.

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.

“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/.

Connecticut Agriculture is Showcased in UConn Students' Documentary.

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

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

Meet the Researcher: Valeria Sarmiento.

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

UConn Students Use Grant to Create Documentary About Yosemite.

Margo Bailey '17

Eva Hu '18

Eva Hu '18

Diana Abouchacra '17

Ben Piascik '17

Elizabeth Charash '18

Louise Astorino Exhibition Article

Gabriel DeRosa '17

Calliope Wong

John Cody Performance Article

STEMTalk Launch

Nathan Wojtyna

Stephen Hawes '17

Cate Solari Exhibition Article

Search for the White Rose documentary