Spend your summer conducting research that makes an impact on our local community through the Community-Academic Scholars Initiative. This 10-week summer research experience empowers undergraduates in all majors to address critical issues related to health, poverty, and/or social inequity in our community. Scholars receive mentorship from an Illinois researcher and a community collaborator throughout the summer as they work on a research project designed to support the work of the partner organization. This includes program evaluations, needs assessments, or similar projects. Scholars acquire the valuable skills needed to not only conduct research, but to understand real, on-the-ground viewpoints and challenges.
In addition to project mentorship and research experience, scholars attend weekly professional development sessions where they can connect with researchers and campus experts and get practical guidance on topics such as careers in research, conducting research in community settings, centering anti-racism in research, and communicating research to different audiences. Students then showcase their work during a poster session and awards ceremony. Scholars also receive a $4000 stipend to offset the cost of housing and/or living expenses during the program.
This is a great opportunity for students from all majors who are interested in developing research skills and addressing issues they are passionate about, within or outside their area of study. Academic mentors appreciate the perspectives that students from fields outside their own bring to the project.
Learn more during a 45-minute information session on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
During the information session, we will:
- Discuss the program and the application process
- Share a couple of past projects
- Talk about how scholars will be matched with research projects
- Hear directly from two of the 2023 scholars, Allie Kormos and Wondrous Jenkins, about their experience in the program
Sign up for the information session even if you cannot make it. We will notify registrants when the recording is available.
