Program Overview

Program Overview

The PURPLE program is a summer research program that takes place at the University of Colorado Anschutz, located in Aurora, CO. The program is designed for enthusiastic undergraduates or recent graduates who have a desire to learn more about research in the fields of psychiatry and psychology.

Program Details

• The program typically starts in the second or third week of May and ends in the second or third week of August.
• The program requires approximately 25 hours a week of time from the students.
• Students are paired with mentors either at the Children's Hospital of Colorado or the University of Colorado Hospital.
• The program provides a stipend of around $3,500 to individuals accepted into the program.
• Transportation, housing, and living expenses are not included.

Eligibility and Application

• The program is looking for a diverse cohort of enthusiastic undergraduates or recent graduates who have a desire to learn more about research in the fields of psychiatry and psychology.
• Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in mental health and a commitment to continuing their work or educational career in psychology, psychiatry, or related mental health fields.
• Students from all majors can apply, but they should be able to demonstrate a clear interest in mental health.

Program Activities

• Reading literature relevant to the mentor's work
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data
• Attending professional development, career, and graduate school didactics
• Clinical shadowing

Research Opportunities

• Students will be asked to complete an original research project while in the program.
• The program is designed to prepare students to become clinician-researchers or to pursue mental health careers with a research component.

Post-Program Opportunities

• Depending on the mentor's funding and availability, students may be able to stay on after the program ends as student research assistants.
• 67% of students stay on post-program in some capacity.