The “Weber Scholars” program was named after the social theorist Max Weber, who challenged researchers to confront “uncomfortable facts” – facts that challenge our preconceptions about the way the world works. Weber Scholars offers students the opportunity to hone their research skills while investigating some of the most pressing political, social, and economic issues of our time. Students are encouraged to approach this work using a range of disciplinary tools and methodologies, including philosophy, political theory, political science, economics, and statistics.
Outcomes
By the end of the program, students are expected to complete a research paper that reflects the work they have done that summer. Along the way, students develop and cultivate research and writing skills that they can employ in their courses at St. Olaf or in future graduate school endeavors.
Previous Weber Scholars have: published their summer research in undergraduate student research journals, presented their work at academic conferences, and have used their Weber Scholar research as their writing sample for graduate school applications.
eLIGIBILITY
The Weber Scholars program is open to rising sophomores through rising seniors with an interest in social scientific or humanistic research.
Students are paid and receive housing for the 10-weeks of the program. Applications open in January.
Faculty Mentors for Summer 2026
Christopher Chapp
Professor of Political Science and Morrison Family Director of the Institute for Freedom and Community
“This program helps students develop their research skills while at the same time learning how to direct their St. Olaf learning toward important problems in the public interest.”
Brandon Westler
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
“The Weber Scholars program lets students take ownership over their research, learning to work through challenges and “uncomfortable” findings while pursuing answers to questions they care about.”
Colin Harris
Tomson Family Chair of Law and Economics and Director of Public Affairs Conversations
“The Weber Scholars program helps students address public-interest questions they care about in a systematic, rigorous way, testing arguments against counterarguments and considering all sides of the debate.”
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