C2C: The Basics

  • The Clouds to the Core (C2C) REU program is an 8-week paid summer research opportunity in the geosciences, primarily for students from partner institution tribal and community colleges around the southwestern US (and beyond). This program is funded by the US National Science Foundation and is based at the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona.

  • The goal of C2C is to introduce students from 2-year colleges around the region to the many opportunities in a career in geosciences and the possibilities of transferring after their AA degree to the UA majoring in Geosciences.

About The Program

Students accepted into the program will have an opportunity to work in world-class laboratories and in outdoor data collection on research projects with University of Arizona faculty. Our goal is to increase opportunities for under-represented, historically excluded, and first-generation college students to enter the field of geosciences. We aim to provide exposure to the excitement of being a geoscientist and to help you navigate how to transfer to the University of Arizona at the completion of your AA degree.

C2C students will have their room and board costs at the UA covered, and, will in addition receive a $600/week stipend over the 8 weeks of the program.

  • To participate in this REU, you must be:

    • A US Citizen, US National, or Permanent Resident.

    • Currently enrolled in a two-year Community College or a Tribal College.

      • Preference will be given to students from the southwestern US (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah); however, students from other regions are welcome to apply.

    • You must be at least 18 years old before May 10, 2025 (one month prior to the start of the program).

    The application deadline is Friday, February 7, 2025. Details about the applications will be posted soon!

  • This REU program will run from June 9–August 1, 2025, in the summer of 2024.

    • First two weeks: Orientation & Project Introduction period.

      • During this time, you will learn about opportunities in the geosciences, and become familiar with the University of Arizona campus and its facilities. You will also get to know the other students in your program.

    • The next five weeks: Research & Learning

      • During this period you will be working with your faculty mentor and their students in the lab on your assigned project.

      • There will be scheduled dinners, activities, and discussions on career pathways, equity in the geosciences, and information on how to transfer to the University of Arizona for your 4-year degree.

    • Last Week: Preparation and Presentation of Your Project

      • During the last week of the program, you will work up your results for a public presentation to your peers, lab mates, and folks in the Department of Geosciences. Friends and family are welcome to attend!