High-Impact Practice (HIP) Scholars
Get “HIP” & Begin your Academic Adventure today!
High-Impact Practices provide students with an opportunity to expand their learning inside and outside of the classroom whether that be through undergraduate research, internships, studying abroad or other hands-on learning experiences. The High-Impact Practices (HIP) Scholar’s program provides a platform for students to explore their interests and get involved in a HIP experience. These include faculty-mentored research or a UCF-approved, non-profit internship.
This program is hosted through the Office of Undergraduate Studies and sponsored by Project POTENCIAL, funded through the Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions Program (Title V, Part A), administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applications for the Spring 2026 Cohort have now closed!
Check here in August 2026 for the new application cycle.
Email HIP@ucf.edu for more info on how you can still get involved!
Student Eligibility:
- All majors with a 2.75 GPA or higher (UCF and/or cumulative)
- Sophomore or Junior status at the time of application with at least 30 credit hours completed at UCF or a state college
- At least two additional semesters remaining at UCF
- Full-time (12 credit hours) status in Spring (while in the Exploratory program), minimum part-time (6 credit hours) status Spring, Summer, or Fall semester of HIP experience
- Successful completion of the program includes the ability to participate in a time-intensive HIP opportunity in the second semester (135 hours total). Interest in getting involved in on-campus research experience with UCF faculty OR a community-based engagement experience.
Due to the nature of the program, UCF Online students are not eligible. Please contact HIP@ucf.edu to learn more about other opportunities.
Preference Given To:
Pell Grant eligible, transfer, and/or first-generation college students (Neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree in the U.S.)
Program Benefits:
- Get one-on-one mentoring and support
- Create a personalized map of your journey
- Guidance through the program
- Join a community of scholars
- Attend Scholars’ events and workshops
- Pipeline into other programs and experiences
Application Cycle:
- Accepting scholars each Spring semester
- Applications open every fall semester for a spring start
Questions: Email HIP_Scholars@ucf.edu or give us a call at (407) 882–230
Want to learn more about the HIP Scholars Program?
Join us for a Waddle into a HIP workshop!
Learn how to get involved in a wide variety of opportunities like undergraduate research, studying abroad, internships, learning communities, graduate school preparations and more. Whether planning for graduate school or a career, High-Impact Practice experiences offer you a competitive edge by helping you blend what you’re learning in the classroom with real-world experiences.
Check out the the UCF Events Page High-Impact Practices (HIP) Hub Calendar for upcoming workshops!
Light snacks and refreshments provided.
Make a meeting with a HIP Peer Mentor!
Our peer mentors are available to help with any questions related to HIP scholars and generally getting involved in a high-impact experience. Peer mentoring sessions cover everything from getting started in a HIP to how to leverage your HIP experience toward your career goals. Peer mentoring appointments for HIP will be made through myKnightSTAR.
Scheduling a Peer Mentor Appointment
Create a new appointment
1. Log into Navigate Student mobile app or desktop browser using your NID and NID password
2. Click on the blue “Schedule Appointment” icon
3. In the “New Appointment” Page select: Peer Support Programs > High-Impact Practices Peer Mentoring
4. Pick a date that works for you can click “Find Available Time”
5. On the next page select:
– Staff: Any Staff
– How would you like to meet: select in-person (in Trevor Colburn Hall) or virtual (on Zoom)
– Location: HIP HUB