The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University hosts the eight- to ten-week Summer Research Program (SRP) in partnership with The Leadership Alliance. This program is specifically designed for visiting undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing doctoral training programs, careers in academia, or the broader research workforce. It particularly targets students who may have limited opportunities for independent research at their home institutions, are the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university, or may not have access to resources that would enable them to undertake full-time summer research.Participants in the SRP conduct graduate-level research under the direct supervision of a Columbia faculty mentor, thereby approximating the graduate student experience. The program provides exposure to the mentor-advisee relationship, scholarly research opportunities across various departments in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences, and academic writing and communication practices. The curriculum includes weekly seminars, workshops, and symposia, offering tutorials on academic writing, the graduate school application process, and oral presentation skills for conferences. Students also engage in meetings with staff and mentors to discuss research careers both within and outside academia. The program culminates with students presenting their research to faculty, graduate students, and administrators at the Columbia Summer Research Program Symposium, and they also attend the annual National Leadership Alliance Summer Symposium.The primary aim of the program is to foster a deeper knowledge of the student's chosen field, hone essential skills required for success in doctoral study, and encourage students to pursue academic careers. The program does not offer preparation for professional schools. There is no charge for the program or application fee, and accepted students receive a stipend of $5,000 to cover living expenses. Eligibility requires applicants to be current sophomores or juniors, at least 18 years old by the program start date, a US citizen or permanent resident, possess a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate potential for doctoral study, and show a commitment to engaging diversity in academia. The program typically runs from early June to early August.