Overview 

The PROPEL program provides participants with an immersive research experience, mentorship, graduate school preparation, professional development and collaborative opportunities to ignite their passion for cutting edge engineering research. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, as are those from academic institutions with limited research opportunities in STEM. 

Over eight weeks, participants will conduct research with a faculty mentor and participate in activities that will prepare them for success in graduate school, including workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills and networking.  

Highlights of the PROPEL program include interactive workshops, hands on research projects, and professional development workshops. In addition to weekly seminars, scholars will have the chance to engage in social activities and explore Baltimore.   

At the end of the summer program, participants will present their research at a campus wide symposium. Participants in PROPEL receive housing, a competitive stipend, meal plan and round-trip travel to Baltimore. All students will be housed on campus with easy access to shopping, food and public transportation.

Program Date: Wed., May 28 – Thurs., July 31, 2025

 

Photo of three students smiling and posing around a cardboard rabbit, pieced together by the students.Two PROPEL students working together to build a cardboard structure.Photo of four PROPEL students smiling around a small, cardboard structure of a wagon.

Applications open November 1, 2024.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the entire application package, including one letter of recommendation and unofficial transcript(s), is received by Tuesday February 4th, 2025.

Students will be notified of admission decisions between mid-March and April 2025.

PROPEL Summer 2025 Faculty Research Lab listing will be available soon.  To learn more now, be sure to check department websites to discover labs and faculty research.

Apply Here.

Participant Profile

PROPEL students gathered, discussing a structure they've built together.

  • Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States, or its territories as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program (rising juniors and rising seniors will be given priority) 
  • Have a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD in engineering 
  • U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • International students with an F-1 Visa who are already living in the United States and studying at a U.S. university are also eligible to apply
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old

 

Application Requirements 

  1. Complete Interfolio Application 
  2. Research Statement – One page – include research interests, prior research experience and how this program aligns with your future goals.  Review departmental websites and identify 2-3 faculty whose research aligns with your research interests.
  3. Inclusive Excellence Statement – One page to describe your academic, leadership or service engagement that advances inclusive excellence or helps to reduce social, educational, or economic disparities.
  4. Resume or CV
  5. One Letter of Recommendation – The letter must be from an individual that can speak to the applicants academic and research experience (faculty member, research mentor/supervisor, etc.)
  6. Unofficial Transcripts – Include all semesters to date.

    Participants Will Receive:                            Participants Experience:   

  • Competitive Stipend  
  • Housing in Johns Hopkins University dorms 
  • Roundtrip travel to Baltimore, MD 
  • On-campus meal plan 
  • Innovative research projects 
  • Guided mentorship  
  • Graduate school preparation 
  • Interactive workshops 
  • Community building/social activities 
  • Baltimore and DC excursions  

Group photo of the 2024 PROPEL students at the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Stacey Marks

Diversity Program Manager