Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) Program

Whether helping develop new diagnostic techniques for heart disease or detecting the effects of nuclear waste, discovery learning apprentices make the most of their time at CU Boulder by supplementing classroom instruction with real-world engineering research experience.

Undergraduate engineering students in the program earn hourly wages (currently $16/hour) while engaging in research with faculty and graduate students. You’ll work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty as collaborative partners on original research. We find that students bring a fresh perspective to the research team while also learning from their more experienced partners.

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"This is what a researcher looks like"

Undergraduate students participating in research – no matter the venue – can submit details about themselves to be featured on the college's undegraduate research experience page. Questions and comments can be sent to  by email.

  Submit your entry

Overview

Program Details
  • Apprenticeship positions are announced in March
  • Applications are accepted through mid-April for the following academic year
  • 鶹Ժ may work up to 300 hours in these positions over the course of the academic year (average of 10 hours per week over 30 weeks in the academic year)
  • 鶹Ժ will attend several mandatory seminars and submit a project summary in the fall.
  • Final presentations will be shared in the spring 
  • Top presenters get to showcase a poster at the annual symposium.
  • Open only to current CU Boulder students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Must be in good academic standing in the College of Engineering and Applied Science to apply for a position (for degree-seeking students, cumulative, semester and major GPAs of at least 2.00)
  • Previous DLA and SPUR students are not eligible for DLA positions
  • Be an undergraduate student. If you are a BS/MS or BAM student with undergrad status, you are eligible. 鶹Ժ entering their last year as a BS/MS or BAM student are not eligible.
  • Submit a cover letter addressing your qualifications for the program, even if a faculty member recommended you for the position
  • Attend an introductory meeting in the fall 
  • Complete "Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct" and "Reseponsible Conduct of Research" online training modules
  • Work as directed by faculty member and/or graduate student mentor. Make a good-faith effort to work 10 hours per week during the spring and fall semester
  • Attend three seminars for the year and bi-monthly cluster meetings with assigned graduate mentor in both the fall and spring semesters
  • Write a 2-3 page project summary outlining your plans for work. Due at the end of October.
  • Make a presentation in your cluster in March and participate in the Research Symposium in mid‐April
  • Complete surveys regarding your experiences in the program

All students who are in Good Academic Standing in CEAS will be emailed a link with the application.

  1. Choose the positions you're interested in
  2. Fill out the DLA application
  3. Submit a professional cover letter and resume, detailing your qualifications for the research positions

DLA Project for AY 2024-25

  • In your cover letter, respond to any requirements mentioned in the project listing. For instance, if the project indicates a course requirement and/or experience in related fields, include details in your cover letter.
  • Select a diversity of projects and be sure they are of interest to you. Try not to select multiple projects from one faculty member or professor. No more than one student will work with each faculty member.
  • Select at least five projects for maximum flexibility when being considered for a position. 鶹Ժ may select one or two projects if no other projects fit their preference.
  • Contact the professor offering the project to learn more and to see if it is a good match. If you ask relevant questions and make a good impression, the faculty member may ask for you specifically. 

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