| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | The REACH awards provide VIU students with a stipend to enable them to complete their own independent project under the mentorship of a VIU employee. |
| How much is it worth? | To be determined annually by the STaR committee |
| What is the deadline? | October 31. |
| Am I eligible? | You must currently be registered in your program, be in good academic standing, have a faculty mentor, not have previously held a REACH or currently hold any major awards (>$10,000 per year for graduate students; 2025 USRA for undergraduates), and not have completed the entire project by the application deadline. |
| How are the proposals adjudicated? | Proposals are assessed by the STaR committee based on the Document
. |
| Is there a workshop? | To be determined. |
Application Form
Applications are now open and must be submitted through ROMEO.
Reference letter: attention applicants!
The REACH Award application requires a reference letter provided by a person who can comment on your ability to undertake your proposed project and the foreseeable benefits your project will have on your academic and/or professional pursuits. Make sure to request this letter from someone who can properly speak to these items. Ensure that the person you ask is not your mentor for the proposed project.
The reference letter needs to be sent directly to Vanessa Moraes (Vanessa.Moraes@viu.ca) and received by October 31. The referee sends the letter (the person who writes it), not the student. Reference letters will be kept confidential and will only be used in the adjudication of the REACH Award.
Resources
The following can assist you with your proposal:
Vanessa Moraes (Student Research Engagement Coordinator): Vanessa.Moraes@viu.ca
If you would like Vanessa to review your application, send files to her by October 22.
The Writing Centre: book an online appointment with the Writing Centre!
Peer Helpers: We have a handful of previous award recipients who can help edit your proposal and give you some feedback. Email Vanessa if you are interested.
REACH Award recipients
Looking for some inspiration? Have a look at the 2024-25 REACH Award recipients.
