This allows students to experience first-hand how basic research is carried out, and to contribute consequentially. The principal support by NSF of such activities is through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. Each Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates, who work in the research programs of the host institution.
Students are in general accepted from throughout the country.
In addition, seminars, lunch meetings, and social functions are organized to facilitate interaction between the undergraduates. We have students here at Binghamton who have done REUs, and know how fun they are and what's involved. REU locations for all of math, science, and engineering, including computer science, may be obtained electronically on the Web.