Despite numerous calls for reform, the early chemistry experience for most college students has remained unchanged for decades. In 2004 the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a call for proposals to create new models of chemical education that would infuse authentic research into the early stages of a student's college experience. Under this initiative, NSF funded five undergraduate research collaboratives. The sites ranged from a single large research university to a collaboration of seven small institutions across a three-state area. Each of the sites developed a unique model for creating and supporting research opportunities for first- and second-year undergraduates. In this report, we include brief descriptions of the five sites and describe their common components and the variety of implementation strategies. Finally, we examine the impacts of early research on students, faculty members, and institutions and the potential for these research experiences to drive change in science education. (Contains 2 tables.)