Students

Community Scholars Fellowship Program

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Community Scholars Fellowship Program (in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research):

The Community Scholars Fellowship program supports undergraduate students conducting research that benefits, and is carried out in partnership with community organizations, nonprofits, or local government agencies. In some cases, partnerships with small businesses can be considered. The program provides a stipend of $750 for a student who will carry out at least 150 hours of research over the course of a semester or a summer. The program also provides up to $250 for research related expenses, and a $250 stipend for the community partner, and $250 for a faculty advisor.

Research proposals can be developed by, and applications submitted by a faculty member, an undergraduate student or a community partner.

Application Deadlines

Spring - Dec. 15
Summer - April 15
Fall- August 15

Student applicants: To apply, students must have completed the Office of Undergraduate Research orientation, and must have developed a research proposal and identified a community partner. In addition to a completed application, please attach a resume and a letter of support from your community partner. If a faculty member is supervising your research, please include a letter of support from the faculty member as well.

Faculty applicants: Faculty must have a completed research proposal and an identified community partner. If you have not identified a student, we will advertise this research opportunity in order to help find student researcher. Community partner applicants: Community organizations, nonprofits and government agencies must have a completed research proposal. If you have not identified a student, we will advertise this research opportunity in order to help find a student researcher. 

Expectations of Community Scholars:

Community scholars will work at least 15 hours a week during this period. Work space may be available at the Office of Community Engagement or the Office of Undergraduate Research, both located in the USF Library. Community Scholars will keep journals documenting their experiences, and must complete their project and hand in a research report within two weeks of the end of the semester. Community Scholars must register either for a 0 credit hour research course, or for a credit-bearing independent study with a faculty advisor. Community Scholars must be willing to present their completed research to their community partners and to other students and faculty at USF at the annual Undergraduate Research and Arts Colloquium; they will also be encouraged to present their research at conferences around the region.