<p>My daughter participated in the UD Summer Scholars Program over 10 weeks during the summer of 2013. Her experience was overwhelmingly positive but I'd like to point out a few details of the program that we learned or received clarification on after it was complete.</p>
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<li><p>A $3000 stipend was paid in two installments along with a $500 housing allowance. Not bad for 10 weeks.</p></li>
<li><p>After finding a summer apartment sub-let, she found out that she could have used the $500 housing allowance for a Ray Street dorm room. Her Main Street sub-let cost $750 for the 10 weeks but was much closer to her research lab. I'll call it a wash but it would have been nice if the Ray Street option was advertised before she started looking into apartments.</p></li>
<li><p>The program also required a non-paid follow-up during the Winter Term. Thankfully, the dorm room was 'free' but the meal plan was an additional $800. That ate into the $3000 stipend.</p></li>
<li><p>From a tax standpoint, the stipend and housing allowance were reported on a 1099-MISC instead of a W-2. That means that the income is not part of the standard deduction calculation and taxes will be due in the following year.</p></li>
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<p>Even with the post-summer financial hits, we have no regrets about her participation in the program. She received experience that has impressed potential employers for this summer and added some relevant skills to her resume. I encourage interested students and their parents to get as much information as possible on this program so they know what to expect.</p>