| Your questions | Answered |
|---|---|
| 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? | The stipend provides a one-time award of $3,000 per student. |
| 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 grad students; 2021 USRA for undergrads), and not have completed the entire project by the application deadline. |
| What is the website? | You are on it! |
| Is there an workshop? | Yes! |
Application Form
Applications are submitted from October 1-31 using the ROMEO portal.
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 .
Request the letter as soon as you can.
The reference letter needs to be sent directly to Kendra Stiwich (kendra.stiwich@viu.ca) and received by October 31, 2021 @ 4pm. The referee sends the letter (the person who writes it) NOT the student. Reference letters will be kept confidential to the members of the STAR committee and will only be used in the adjudication of the REACH award.
Resources
The following are able to assist you with your proposal:
Kendra Stiwich (Student Research Engagement Coordinator) - Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca
If you would like Kendra to review your application, then please send items to her by October 22, 2021.
The Writing Centre - book an online appointment!
Peer Helpers - We have a handful of previous award recipients that can help edit your proposal and give you some feedback. Email Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca if you are interested.
We hosted a workshop on October 6 @ 12pm via Zoom.
Please look for link to workshop to the right of your screen.
Miss the workshop? No worries, check out this video!
Looking for some inspiration? Have a look at last year's recipients.
