exploreCSR

Google’s exploreCSR awards support universities working to expose and retain undergraduate women in foundational computing research training.

Increasing undergraduate awareness and exposure to computing research is a top priority at Google, especially for students historically underrepresented in these fields. The exploreCSR awards were established to support universities’ efforts to design, develop, and execute research-focused workshops throughout the academic year that provide opportunities for undergraduate women in CS (and related fields) to learn more about research pathways and work on exploratory problems in teams led by researchers from academia and industry.

See exploreCSR recipients

Program Status

Applications opening soon.

Details on the application process will be available in Spring 2020.

Award Information

Google encourages proposals from faculty members from PhD-granting institutions in the U.S. and Canada. If you are not from a PhD granting institution, it is strongly recommended that collaborate with a partner who is. Proposals should include a description of institutional partnerships (e.g., community colleges, HBCUs, MSIs, liberal arts, private, non-profit), a clear focus on cultivating and retaining women in computing, and a commitment to exposing undergraduate women in computing to foundational research training. Proposals that include strategies for sustained and deep engagement are especially welcome.

Award Details

Open to universities in the U.S. and Canada.
Universities may receive support of up to $18,000 (USD).
One-year awards, intended for use during the academic year for which the award is provided.
Awards are given as unrestricted gifts to the university and are not to be used for overhead.

Review Criteria

Student audience: Efforts in place to recruit undergraduate women in computing or related fields from their own institution and surrounding institutions in your state or region.
Partnerships: Proposals should include 1-2 current or anticipated partner institutions/ organizations who will support the workshops.
Content: Workshop content should include fostering a research culture (e.g., research training, projects and presentations, mentorship), holistic advising (e.g., graduate admission process, transition to graduate school life, academic and financial resources), and ongoing development.
Format and schedule: Workshops delivered throughout the academic year with a format and schedule that meets the needs of attendees.
Sustainment plans: Evidence of plans to sustain involvement with students to ensure support beyond the workshop to extend the community beyond the award year (e.g., delivering advanced workshops, summer research experiences, guiding students through to graduate programs).

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about our programs and outreach efforts on our FAQ page.

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