The First-Year Success Research Institute- FSRI (formerly Freshman Summer Research Institute) provides a comprehensive orientation and academic support program to ease the transition from high school to college while building a solid research foundation and community. FSRI is designed to introduce incoming historically excluded and/or marginalized first-year students to Caltech's research and math curriculum, culture, academic rigor, and student support services. FSRI provides an opportunity for incoming Caltech undergraduate students to engage in dynamic mentorship opportunities, learn skills to succeed in a collaborative environment, and develop lasting relationships with peers and colleagues in a living-learning community and the laboratory workspace.
The FSRI experience extends beyond the summer to include a new and exciting FSRI Academic Year Program. The FSRI Academic Year Program allows FSRI participants to engage in a first-year cohort experience dedicated to furthering student academic engagement and persistence in the sciences. The FSRI Academic Year Program enhances the summer experience by expanding on academic skill development, engaging in research insight opportunities, and providing students with a consistent and supportive community. FSRI has the opportunity to participate in a specific Living and Learning Community (LLC). The FSRI LLC is dedicated to creating a supportive residential experience in Bechtel Residence while still having a traditional house affiliation.
The FSRI Summer Experience Includes:
A 7-week summer research assignment with a Caltech faculty member, postdoctoral scholar, or graduate student
A 6-week opportunity to prepare for Caltech's first-year math course
A 3-week virtual learning experience in computer programming
Summer room and board on Caltech's campus
Group field trips, excursions, and social activities
Opportunities to learn and engage in first-year student programming and Caltech culture
Travel assistance is available for those who qualify
The FSRI Academic Year Experience Includes:
The opportunity to reside in the FSRI Living and Learning Community (LLC)
Academic success opportunities and skill development workshops
Continued community and cohort-based engagement through meetings and excursions
Development of research acumen through faculty-led engagement opportunities
In-depth coaching on individual goals, academic performance, and access to unique Caltech opportunities
Peer mentorship from FSRI Kin Group Leaders (FSRI Alumni)
FSRI 2023-2024 Cohort Updates:
2023 FSRI Experience Dates:
Virtual pre-FSRI Computer Programming for non-coders learning opportunity: June 26 2023 - July 21, 2023
On-campus residential, research, and math program: July 23, 2023- September 16, 2023
The FSRI 2023 -2024 Academic year opportunities with ongoing educational, research, and student-life engagement throughout the first academic year: September 2023-June 2024
The application for the FSRI 2023-2024 Cohort is available on the Undergraduate Admissions Application Portal!
For more information about this program, email the FSRI Program leaders, at fsri@caltech.edu
