Fellowship Programs

In collaboration with the Center of the Study Economic Mobility and the Office of Undergraduate Research, we present the CSEM Student Research Fellowship. The mission of CSEM and the Student Fellowship is to better understand the causes of low economic mobility in Forsyth County while contributing to studying pragmatic policy-based solutions.

Application Details are as follows:

• A proposal of no more than three single-spaced pages that includes:
  • A detailed description of the proposed research or project, its needs, and the connection to economic mobility.
  • Research topic and question, with clearly defined connection to economic mobility. Question needs to be focused on Forsyth County and granular.
  • What kind of data will be used, where and how will it be collected? (i.e. survey, publicly available, etc.)
  • What kind of theoretical framework, research methodology (statistical measures, etc.)
  • The aim and expected outcomes of the research or project, which align with the expectations of the fellowship (presentations, papers, articles, etc.)
  • We expect at least 2 formal presentations, and final academic research paper
  • How you will conduct your economic mobility research or project (e.g., research methodologies, equipment, surveys)
  • Explain the community and social impact this project may have, related to economic mobility.
  • Does the research question have possible solutions that can be implemented at the local level?
  • The names of one or more WSSU faculty members or graduate students who might be suitable to serve as an active advisor for the research or project. Additionally, include a listing of people and entities with whom the student will be collaborating (e.g. organizations where research will be done).
  • A detailed timeline for completion of the proposed research or project
  • An explanation of no more than 250 words in length of how the fellowship will advance the student’s academic and professional goals as they relate to economic mobility
• An unofficial WSSU transcript
• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can speak to your commitment to economic mobility and your suitability for a fellowship. In this letter, faculty members should clearly state their willingness to participate and mentor the research fellows over the course of the program.

Participation Requirements:

Upon acceptance, a Fellow will be expect to complete the following:

1. Remain full-time enrollment at WSSU
2. Continue in “good academic standing”
3. Complete all tasks, in conjunction with your mentor, by the timeline submitted.
4. Delivers two presentations: a.) as a part of the Scholarship Day Activities (April 2020); b.) as a part of a fall Research Symposium Fall (2020).
5. Submit a final paper by the end of the year, including all sections of an academic research paper
6. Provide a written progress report to the Office of Undergraduate Research at the midpoint ( August 2020) and at the conclusion of the fellowship ( December 2020).
7. Being willing to meet and commit to regular meetings with mentors to ensure accountability
8. A staff meeting, including all fellows, where each fellow spends about 5 minutes discussing the past (week, 2 weeks, etc) progress and also discuss any hurdles that he or she may need feedback on

For more information please contact:

Mr. Zach Blizard: blizardzd@wssu.edu
Mr. Alvin Atkinson: atkinsona@wssu.edu
Dr. Tangela Towns: osr@wssu.edu