Summer Research Cohorts

June 7 – August 27, 2021

Financial Security:

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Research focus: Achieving economic security and fighting poverty
  • Investigate the struggles and hardships that low-income American families face. Understand how education inequalities, underemployment, inconsistent health benefits, and institutional prejudices prevent individuals from escaping poverty’s grip.

 

Health Equity and Healthcare Policy:

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Research focus: Breaking down barriers to care in a complex healthcare system
  • Explore disparities in healthcare outcomes and access to care, the history of the health insurance industry in the U.S. and the ongoing debates for healthcare reform.

 

Social Protest & Sports:

Mondays & Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Research focus: Developing a blueprint to activate athlete voices
  • Explore the history of social protest in sports, examining the relative successes and struggles of athletes looking to advocate for change. Work as part of a research group that includes fellow students, political scientists, journalists, sports professionals, advocates and thought leaders to develop a policy framework that will serve as a blueprint for future socially conscious athletes.
pexels-fauxels-3182786
pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3769021

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  All applications must be received by June 1st for summer 2021 enrollment. Scholarships are available for qualified applicants.

Future Research Cohorts

Fall: Sept 20 – Dec 17, 2021

Winter: Jan 10 – Apr 8, 2022

Curriculum

Students enroll in a research cohort of 10-12 like-minded students interested in the same topic.  Research Coordinators guide students through a total of 50+ contact hours.  16 contact hours incould digital foundational instruction highlighting the basic elements of Leadership, Communication, Research, Decision-making.  Students also receive 36 hours of online collaboration and instruction provided via readings, group discussion and guest speakers which engages students in an examination of the origins of and contributing factors to a particular social justice issue in our society and facilitates the creation of a policy framework that addresses the issue in the form of a group white paper, podcast or digital short.  

At the end of 12 weeks students will have an in-depth understanding of a social justice issue, published content to include on academic resumes, a network of professionals and thought leaders, and advanced communication, decision making, research and leadership skills.

Foundational Instruction

Core curriculum on leadership, communication, decision making and research with instruction and contributions from experts and industry leaders.

Exploration

Students explore their research topic in depth by understanding its history and how the present day situation has evolved.  Experts, thought leaders and other contributors provide additional insight and context to help students develop a holistic understanding of the issues that will contribute to stronger policy development.  

Research Development

Through guided discussions and group breakout sessions students ideate and construct their final research project.

Research Presentation

Students engage in a critical analysis of the final draft of their research project and set a date for publication.