First-year students are encouraged to apply to be a 2024-2027 Center for Engaged Learning Student Scholar.
The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) invites applications from current Elon University first-year students for a three-year (Summer 2024 – Spring 2027) research collaboration on Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Learners. Accepted CEL Student Scholars will collaborate with three Elon University faculty – Caroline Ketcham, Stephen Byrd and Jessie L. Moore – and Joanna Rankin, associate professor in the Community Rehabilitation & Disability Studies (CRDS) at the University of Calgary, to lead international, multi-institutional research on this engaged learning topic.
Learn more about the 2024-27 research focus.
Eligibility
The CEL Student Scholar program is open to current Elon University first-year students (during the 2023-24 academic year) from any major. Applicants should have an interest in engaged learning in higher education (broadly) and in the 2024-27 research topic – Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Learners.
First-year students apply in spring (Spring 2024) to begin the program in the summer between their first and second years (Summer 2024).
What Will CEL Student Scholars Do?
Accepted CEL Student Scholars will collaborate on a three-year research project with Elon faculty and staff and with CEL Research Seminar participants from colleges and universities around the world.
During three consecutive summers (2024, 2025, 2026), CEL Student Scholars will…
- Receive a $3,000 summer stipend as compensation for the Student Scholar’s work during the summer;
- Have access to double- or single-occupancy, on-campus, summer housing;
- Participate in a week-long research seminar meeting with faculty and staff from Elon and other colleges and universities around the globe;
- Attend (and during second and third summers, present at) the Conference on Engaged Learning;
- Collaborate in weekly meetings with the seminar co-leaders and/or the CEL Director to advance the research project, collaborate on resources, and learn about strategies for studying engaged learning; and
- Have opportunities to attend events with other undergraduate researchers.
During their second, third, and fourth academic years (2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27), CEL Student Scholars will…
- Receive a $1,000 stipend each semester as compensation for the Student Scholar’s work during the academic year;
- Collaborate in 1-hour meetings every other week with the seminar co-leaders;
- Join other CEL Student Scholars and the CEL Director for a 1-hour meeting every other week to discuss engaged learning research and practices, strategies for studying engaged learning, and other cross-seminar topics; and
- Spend an additional 1-2 hours a week completing research tasks.
Two students will be accepted as CEL Student Scholars each year. Accepted scholars can discuss with the CEL Director and their advisor whether they wish to register for 499 undergraduate research credit during one or more of their semesters as a CEL Student Scholar. Acceptance as a CEL Student Scholar also does not preclude participation in other Elon experiences like study away and internships.
Application Guidelines
To apply, submit the following materials by March 22, 2024:
- A letter of application, and
- A supporting letter of recommendation from an Elon University faculty or staff member.
Letter of Application
Your letter of application should:
- Describe your interest in the research topic – Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Learners – and in collaborating with faculty to lead international research about engaged learning;
- Briefly introduce your major (and any minors), as well as other campus, community, or workplace activities that shape who you are; and
- Reflect on what you would hope to gain from this three-year research collaboration.
Submit an electronic copy of your letter of application to CEL Director Jessie L. Moore (jmoore28@elon.edu) by March 22, 2024.
Supporting Letter of Recommendation
Your supporting letter of recommendation should come from an Elon University faculty or staff member who can speak to:
- Your preparation for undertaking this mentored research opportunity; and
- Contributions you might make to the program, through both your collaboration with CEL’s research seminar participants and your interactions with other CEL Student Scholars.
The Elon University faculty or staff member writing your supporting letter of recommendation should submit an electronic copy of the letter to CEL Director Jessie L. Moore (jmoore28@elon.edu), by March 22, 2024.
Learn more about the Center for Engaged Learning Student Scholar Program. Questions? Contact Jessie L. Moore, Director of the Center for Engaged Learning, at jmoore28@elon.edu.