Dear Colleagues,
The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute invites community-engaged researchers in your units to submit projects for the campuswide Community-Academic Scholars Program. This program provides substantive support for community-engaged research, transformational learning opportunities for students, and impactful community collaboration.
Now in its sixth year, the program matches researchers with undergraduate research assistants who receive training, guidance, and a stipend to support their success. All Illinois faculty and staff who conduct community-engaged research are encouraged to apply, as the program seeks to address the multiple dimensions, determinants, and expanse of areas that affect human health and well-being. Applications are due January 12, 2024.
Community-Academic Scholars have diverse interests and skillsets, and all share a commitment to making an impact in our community. Preference is given to undergraduates with a demonstrated passion for or personal connection to the research being conducted. Previous mentors have shared that their scholars’ contributions and insights have been invaluable to their research projects. They have also noted how personally rewarding these mentoring relationships have been.
“This program is amazing because it provides a critical academic resource. The scholars are gifted and able to work well independently. I highly, highly recommend the program. The students have been a tremendous help.” -Professor Ruby Mendenhall, academic mentor for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs
We hope that you will consider encouraging faculty and staff in your unit to submit a project proposal by January 12, 2024. Thank you for your interests and efforts toward building stronger community-academic relationships, and for supporting our students along their career paths and future leadership roles.
Sincerely,
Stephen Boppart, M.D., Ph.D.
Interim Director, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute
