VPCAT How to Apply

--Request for Applications (RFA)--
2025-2026 VPCAT Scholar Cohort

CLOSED - VPCAT Scholar Cohort

The 2025-2026 VPCAT Scholar Cohort application cycle is now closed.

We anticipate releasing information on the 2026-2027 VPCAT Cohort application cycle in Summer 2025. Estimated timeline for the 2026-2027 application cycle is as follows:

Table. 2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Application Timeline
Dates	Description
Friday, August 29, 2025 4:00-5:00pm Virtually	VPCAT Application Workshop allows interested, eligible applicants to learn more about the process.
Friday, September 26, 2025	2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Applications are due by 5:00pm MST. Late applications are not accepted.
October-November 4, 2025	The program performs merit reviews and prepares notifications. Notifications will be sent to applicants no later than November 4, 2025.
Monday, December 8 thru Tuesday, December 9, 2025 *MANDATORY*	All accepted applicants are required to attend the in-person 1 ½-day VPCAT Orientation and Capstone. We will host the VPCAT Soirée the evening of Monday, December 8, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 pm. Attendance is highly encouraged.

Mandatory Scholar Requirements

Applicants considering applying in response to the 2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA must be able to commit to the mandatory program events and curricular sessions below. Therefore, we highly advise applicants to block their calendars and work to transition schedules to accommodate these requirements as early as possible.

Initial VPCAT Mentor Meeting: A 1-hour meeting with the scholar, their scientific mentor, assigned VPCAT mentor, and VPCAT program personnel to occur no later than the end of March 2026. VPCAT personnel will organize and schedule the meeting.
VPCAT Curricular Sessions: Curricular sessions are held from 12:30 to 4:30 pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, except July and December. Other than once per quarter, all sessions are held virtually. A minimum of 80% attendance is required per year.

RFA Instructions

The 2026-2027 application documents will be released in Summer 2025. Questions on the application process, instructions, or mandatory requirements should be directed to the VPCAT Program Research Manager, Erin Wachs, via email or phone (801-587-8559), or see the VPCAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA Documents