The Healthy Neighborhood Study (HNS) is launching the Emerging Scholars Program to provide an opportunity for community scholars, early career researchers, and doctoral students dedicated to Participatory Action Research (PAR) to receive research support for a project using HNS data, tools, and/or PAR methods. Successful applicants will receive a stipend as well as professional development opportunities including mentorship on PAR methods from our consortium of partners, access to HNS data and tools, and the chance to work in a collaborative environment comprising the cohort of other emerging scholars dedicated to PAR and the HNS research consortium.
Program Goal: The goal of the Emerging Scholars Program is to create a network of early-stage scholars and scholars in training whose research uses PAR methods to inform and influence policy and social action at the individual, community, or policy-level.
How it works: Emerging Scholars enter the program with a research proposal that is of mutual interest and value (details on what we consider of mutual interest are provided on page 5) to the scholar, their community partner, and the HNRC to use HNS-generated research questions, survey data, research tools, data collection instruments, or PAR methods as part of a research project. Projects require a partnership with a community organization proposed by the scholar, or with the HNRC as their community partner. Emerging Scholars may use methods that are community-based and participatory, PAR, or non-PAR.
Examples of eligible research projects include:
- Using HNS PAR methods to initiate or advance a PAR research project with a community-based partner identified by the emerging scholar;
- Analyzing HNS data with the HNRC serving as the community partner;
- Adding HNS survey modules to an ongoing research project, with either a scholar-identified community partner or in partnership with the HNRC; or
- Other projects that advance HNS research or make use of HNS resources through a community-engaged approach.
The HNRC provides regular and structured opportunities for Emerging Scholars to meet with each other as a cohort, and to interact with the HNRC to a) receive advice and guidance about project progress; b) deepen their awareness of PAR practice; and c) build their network of PAR-focused colleagues. Scholars participate in the program for a 1-year period.
Eligibility Criteria
The Emerging Scholars program is open nationally to the following applicants:
- Researchers who, if awarded this funding, intend to remain connected to the HNRC and PAR community of practice after the completion of their fellowship AND
- Self-identify as at least one of the following categories of emerging scholars:
- Students enrolled in a doctoral program (nonclinical, research-focused) and have completed all of their doctoral research methods courses (i.e., have passed their qualifying exams or equivalent milestone to become doctoral candidates). Specifically, we are recruiting doctoral students from a variety of disciplines and fields (e.g., urban planning, social work, sociology, economics, public administration) who are training to be researchers;
- Early Career Researchers (e.g., Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Scientists, Assistant Professors) who have completed their doctoral program less than 10 years prior; and/or
- Community Scholars, who are trained in research methods, their primary job responsibility requires them to conduct research or work with data, and currently work with a community-based organization or will work with HNRC as their partner.
How to apply
Applications for this solicitation must be submitted electronically via Google Form. Applications are due on Monday, August 29, 2022, by 11:59 pm EST. For more information about the application and what items are required, see the full application document.