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Reach for the Stars Award

Table of Contents

Award Info

Applications Open
November 2, 2026
Applications Close
December 7, 2026
Notification Date
TBD
Award Contact
facultyexcellence@ucf.edu

  1. Program Overview

    The UCF Reach for the Stars Award honors and rewards highly successful research and creative activity accomplished by early-career university professionals.

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  2. Funding

    Award recipient(s) will receive:
    • A $10,000 annual research grant for three years; and
    • The right to be called a UCF Reach for the Stars award recipient.

     

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  3. Eligibility

    To be eligible for a UCF Reach for the Stars Award, an applicant:
    • Must hold the rank of assistant professor; and
    • Achieved notable research and/or creative activity of national impact.
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  4. Application: Steps, Timeline, and Materials

    Award applications are summited through Faculty Insight. Please contact your dean’s office for more information.

    Step 1: Intent to Nominate or Apply (10/6/26 – 11/6/26)

     

    Step 2: Candidate Packet Build (11/2/26 – 12/7/26)

    • Build and submit the application package in Faculty Insight. Submission Deadline: 12/7/26
    • Application Materials
      • Candidate Info Form
        • Nominator and nominee general information.
      • Letter of nomination from the applicant or from a UCF sponsor
      • Current curriculum vitae
      • Additional Letters of support
        • No more than three
        • 500-words each
        • From faculty members, staff members, alumni, or professional and community colleagues
          • Not from the chair/director or dean

     

    Step 3: Chair, Director, or Unit-Head Endorsement Letter (12/8/26 – 12/18/26)

    • Endorsement letter by the chair, director, or unit head (if applicable)
      • 250-word statement of support

     

    Step 4: Dean or Vice-President Endorsement Letter (12/19/26 – 1/8/27)

    • Endorsement letter by the dean or vice president (if applicable)
      • 250-word statement of support

     

    Step 5: University Committee Review (1/9/27 – 1/25/27)

    Step 6: Provost Review (1/26/27 – 2/15/27)

    Step 7: President Review (2/16/27 – 3/1/27)

    Step 8: Administrative Verification (3/2/27 – 3/5/27)

    Step 9: Notification (TBD)

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  5. Evaluation and Awards Process

    These awards are determined by the president and do not normally exceed five per year. All applicants will be notified of the outcome.

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