Community-Academic Scholars
Empowering students through community-based research
IHSI’s Community-Academic Scholars Initiative offers University of Illinois undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue community-based research projects in Urbana-Champaign over the summer.
We seek dedicated and passionate undergrads eager to make a difference in the local community.
Program Overview
Scholars from disciplines across campus work with an academic mentor and a mentor from a community organization to address critical issues related to health, poverty, and/or social inequality. Each scholar will contribute to a research project designed to directly benefit community members served by the partner organization. This includes research projects, surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, or similar projects.
During the 10-week program, students develop applied research skills for measuring and maximizing impact in their work. Scholars come together each week for a coffee hour and facilitated discussion. Invited speakers provide practical guidance to the group, covering topics such as:
- Careers in research
- Conducting research in community settings
- The value of team-based science
- Presenting research to different audiences
The program concludes with students showcasing their work at a final awards ceremony.
Student Scholars
Get eligibility, application, and program details to make an impact this summer.
Program Collaborators
Get involved with the Community-Academic Scholars Initiative and collaborate on future programs.
Contact Emily Stone
2021 CELEBRATION
Scholar Impact Stories
Paola A. Ahumada
"As someone who hopes to go into the field of medicine, I want to have a better understanding not only to how to help people physically but mentally as well. This project shed light on the huge burden caregivers have and finding ways to ease that burden has been an amazing experience."
Emily Albert-Stauning
"My participation in the Community-Academic Scholars program deepened my passion and respect for community-based academic research."
Hannah Caraway
"This project allowed me to connect with the Urbana-Champaign area in many meaningful ways. I have gotten to meet with many diverse community organizations and understand their passions, goals, and motivations. I now have a better understanding of how I can help to make the Urbana-Champaign community a more welcome and accessible place for everyone."
Michelle Lee Garcia
"My participation in this program helped solidify my career goals. Being able to call families and ask them if they need help troubleshooting or need resources sent to them, such as places to call for help, books for their children to continue growing their cognitive skills, and more, was really fulfilling and I intend to continue similar work in the future."
2022 CAS Scholar Info Session Questions
Start of Q&A (21:00)
Is it possible to participate in the 2022 CAS Program remotely? (21:21)
What does it mean to participate “full-time” in the program? (22:23)
Is it possible to get academic credit from participating in the program, as well as the stipend? (24:06)
Is participation in the program open to international students? (24:44)
Are scholars responsible for coming up with their own research projects, or are they assigned to a project? (25:03)
Is housing provided for scholars during the summer? (25:36)
How many applicants are accepted into the program? (26:08)
When are applicants notified of their acceptance into the program? (26:52)
When will the scholar application open? What information will scholar applicants be asked to provide in their application? (27:32)
What are the dates of the 2022 CAS program? (29:37)
Should the projects students apply for pertain to their major, or can they branch out? (30:49)
Can students apply to the program if their current major is undecided? (32:21)
Will scholars work individually on their projects or work in teams? (32:52)