In addition to gaining research experience as an undergraduate, other benefits of participating in the program could include:

• Applying knowledge gained in the classroom to actual problems and research situations;
• Networking with faculty beyond just the classroom;
• Establishing support groups consisting of faculty and other students;
• Gaining critical leadership and team building skills for future employment;
• Making industry connections that could lead to a co-op or future employment opportunity;
• Gaining experience in performing "real-world" projects;
• Differentiating yourself from your peers with "hands-on" research experience desired by employers and graduate schools;
• Obtaining knowledge of conducting research that could be applicable to graduate studies;
• Getting established with a faculty advisor on a project that could provide funding for multiple semesters and possibly through graduate studies;
• Getting published as an undergraduate;
• Improving your critical thinking skills;
• Receiving course credit in a more dynamic way;
• Supplementing your income;
• Having fun while learning;