On Nov. 18, the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI) hosted an engaging information session at the Beckman Institute for Illinois undergraduate students interested in becoming part of the 2025 Community-Academic Scholars (CAS) program cohort. The session provided a comprehensive overview of this transformative summer program, which pairs students with academic and community mentors to conduct research projects designed to directly benefit local communities. Presentation slides and a video recording are available.
The CAS program, now in its seventh year, offers students from diverse disciplines the opportunity to participate in community-driven research. Scholars work up to 20 hours per week over a 10-week summer period, collaborating with mentors on projects that address critical community needs. Past projects have ranged from enhancing youth literacy programs to developing culturally inclusive health initiatives.
Highlights from the Information Session
The session began with an introduction to the program structure, application process, and the benefits of participating as a Community-Academic Scholar. Attendees learned how they could:
- Gain hands-on research experience
- Build meaningful connections with academic mentors and community organizations
- Develop community-engagement and time management skills
Former CAS scholars Madisen LeShoure, Jose Patino, and Kathure Kiunga shared their impactful experiences in their work on the projects they were matched with for the 2024 program.
LeShoure worked with Shardé Smith, a professor of human development and family studies, and Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement in Males (DREAAM), to create a framework that amplifies the voices of Black families while identifying community assets and opportunities for support. LeShoure had the opportunity to apply data science skills to the social aspect of this project to gather sources and information about the Black community in Champaign County to compile a database.
Patino worked with Mike Tissenbaum, a professor of curriculum and instruction, and two community organizations, The Well Experience and DREAAM, to explore innovative ways to bring STEM education and technology to middle school students. Patino’s work focused on enhancing access to connected learning environments and fostering greater engagement among students in underrepresented communities.
Kiunga worked with Juan Salamanca, a professor of graphic design and design for responsible innovation, and Champaign County Bikes, to bring engineering and sustainability together to help develop autonomous bicycle systems. Kiunga’s innovative approach aimed to improve urban transportation by addressing mobility challenges in dense cityscapes and encourage use of multimodal transportation.
How to Apply
- Academic Mentors: The application is open with a deadline of Jan. 12. Mentors must develop a community-based research project with a community partner that aligns with the program’s mission of community impact. Submit your project.
- Undergraduate Students: Once projects are selected, the application will open Jan. 23 with a Feb. 6 deadline. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Scholars selected for the 2025 program will receive a $4,500 stipend and the opportunity to participate in a professional development series focused on community-engaged research.
Program directors Celina Truillo and Max Wallace are working to broaden the project topics and connect with new units on campus as well as community organizations in Champaign-Urbana who could benefit from participating.
“With several new community research projects expected to be available this summer, I encourage students from any background to apply,” said Trujillo, who is also a research development manager for Community-Academic Partnerships at IHSI. “We are eager to hear about how your involvement this summer could support your passions, provide skills and experiences you desire, and/or be a steppingstone to your career goals.”
Looking Ahead
With a strong history of success—83 scholars, 58 academic mentors, and nearly 50 community partners across 75 projects—the CAS program continues to shape the next generation of community-focused researchers.
The CAS program is poised to make 2025 another year of meaningful impact. With community project submissions wrapping up, students and academic mentors alike are encouraged to seize the opportunity to collaborate on research projects addressing critical community needs.
For more information, visit the IHSI website or contact CAS Program Directors Celina Trujillo and Max Wallace. Sign up to receive updates about the program and application cycle.