Students who work in the physics department benefit greatly from the experience of interaction with faculty, graduate students and equipment. In addition, personal contacts are valuable when letters of recommendation for graduate school or employment are requested. Usually the graduate school applicant with such experiences is viewed as a "better risk" after successfully having undergone this orientation to research. The Dean of Trinity College of Arts and Sciences has a program to which students can apply in conjunction with a faculty member for about forty hours per semester of financial support for employment on projects of mutual interest. Physics students have been successful in earning these URA awards in the past. Frequently, the research group will find supplementary funds to support employment beyond the initial forty hours if the project is productive. (If a student qualifies for work-study funds, such financial support is easier to arrange.) The approach for a URA, for outright employment or for unsupported involvement is similar to the approach for independent study - the student takes the initiative to meet with individual faculty members.
Occasionally undergrads are employed over the summer by a research group or individual in the Physics Department. Often times this work is an extension of a relationship developed during the academic year, perhaps in an independent study course. Students proceed on their own initiative to introduce themselves to the faculty directly. The opportunities offered depend upon many factors, such as availability of funds, special skills or knowledge, scholastic performance and recommendations of instructors.
The School of Arts and Sciences has programs to support a limited number of students during the summer. Consider applying to the program to make it easier for your faculty mentor to support you.
The National Science Foundation and the federal government invests much money in "summer research opportunities" for rising seniors. Occasionally, exceptional younger students are accepted. These assistantships are offered by about forty universities and national labs and usually provide outstandingly good experiences. A stipend plus travel funds are provided. There is usually also a variety of summer short-courses offered at locations in the US that are fully subsidized, including travel expenses and housing.