Community-Academic Scholars: Student Scholars
Become a Community-Academic Scholar
- Develop applied research skills for measuring and maximizing impact
- Build cultural and civic skills while becoming a more informed citizen
- Strengthen teamwork/collaboration skills by working with both campus and community partners
- Sharpen professional communication skills by developing a plan for updating faculty and community mentors on weekly progress
- Witness firsthand how your work makes a difference in the local community
Applications now open
Submit your application to the Summer 2022 Community-Academic Scholars Initiative. The deadline to apply is Feb. 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Virtual Information Session
View a video recording from the Community-Academic Scholars information session held Nov. 9, 2021. The info session includes details about the program and application process, project examples, the research project matching process, and an interview with a previous scholar. After watching the video, please feel free to email Kelsey Hassevoort with any questions.
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)
Eligibility and preference
- Applicants must be undergraduate students in good standing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (graduating seniors are not eligible to apply).
- Preference is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds, and to those whose background reflects the communities their project serves.
Program requirements
- Applicants are expected to be engaged full-time in their projects over the summer for 10 weeks.
- Students must create a communication plan for updating their faculty and community mentors on weekly progress.
- Students must create and present a poster with their summer work at the final awards ceremony.
- Students will attend a program orientation, a welcome event, and weekly coffee hours during the summer. A final awards ceremony will be held at the end of the summer to honor the scholars and their teams.
Coverage for expenses
- Scholars will receive a stipend to offset the cost of housing and/or other living expenses during the program.
Selecting a project
- Projects will address health or social justice in the community. View Summer 2022 Projects.
- Student applicants will have an opportunity to learn about and rank projects of interest when completing the application.
- The Community-Academic Scholars team will match each chosen scholar to the project that most aligns with their strengths and interests.
Application Process
The application period for the Community-Academic Scholars summer program typically opens mid-January. Sign up to receive updates about info sessions, project announcements, and more.
“These opportunities push you to think critically, be more concerned about your community, and ignite the fire within to create change.”
Geraldine Dagher
2019 Scholar