Broadening Access to Undergraduate Research Experiences: Connects Research Certificate Program

Undergraduate research experience is a high-impact practice that increases students’ research skills, confidence, and sense of belonging. Externally funded formal research training programs provide structured experiences and financial resources that support students’ pursuit of research careers. Although impactful, these programs are expensive, competitive, and geared toward students from specific disciplines and career goals, excluding large segments of the campus population. To address this gap, the Office of Undergraduate Research Services Research Certificate Program was developed at California State University, Long Beach as a cost-effective, semi-structured research program. Program evaluation findings indicated that Research Certificate students reported higher professional development and connection with faculty and peer mentors than non–Research Certificate students. Key aspects of program development and implementation are discussed for institutionalization.