VPCAT How to Apply
VPCAT How to Apply
--Request for Applications (RFA)--
2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort
CLOSED - VPCAT Scholar Cohort
The 2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort application cycle is now closed.
We anticipate releasing information on the 2027-2028 VPCAT Cohort application cycle in Summer 2026. Estimated timeline for the 2027-2028 application cycle is as follows:
Table. 2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Application Timeline |
|
Dates |
Description |
|
Friday, August 28, 2026 |
VPCAT Application Workshop allows interested eligible applicants to learn more about the process. |
|
Friday, September 25, 2026 |
2027-2028 VPCAT Cohort Applications are due by 5:00 pm MST. Late applications are not accepted. |
|
October-November 6, 2026 |
The program performs merit reviews and prepares notifications. Notifications will be sent to applicants no later than November 6, 2026. |
|
Monday, December 7, 2026 |
All accepted applicants are required to attend the in-person 1-day VPCAT Orientation. We will host the VPCAT Soirée and Capstone from 5:30-8:00 pm. Attendance is highly encouraged. |
Mandatory Scholar Requirements
Applicants considering applying in response to the 2027-2028 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 2027. 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. There will be 4 mandatory, in-person sessions a year. All other sessions will be held virtually. A minimum of 80% attendance is required per year.
RFA Instructions
The 2027-2028 application documents will be released in Summer 2026. Questions on the application process, instructions, or mandatory requirements should be directed to Erin Wachs and Maggie Bowler, or see the VPCAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA Documents
- Request for Application (RFA) - Instructions
- VPCAT Senior Mentor Selection Form
- VPCAT Senior Mentor Bios
- Reviewer Instructions, Scoring Guide, and Review Criteria
Examples of Funded VPCAT Applications & Summary Statements
- New example applications will be posted in Summer 2026
Associated VPCAT Program Documents
- VPCAT Scholar Handbook
- VPCAT Research Scholars Program Overview
- VPCAT Scholar Career Development Plan (VS-CDP)
- Initial VS-CDP
- Initial VS-CDP Appendices
- Self-Assessment Form
- Mid-Program Report Instructions
- Mid-Program Scholar Feedback Form
- Final Program Report Instructions
- Final Program Scholar Feedback Form
- Final Program Evaluation Form
