Center for the Study of Race and Democracy Student Fellows Program
The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy Student Fellows program supports undergraduate and graduate student fellows in the development of independent research projects on the intersections of race, democracy, and social justice over the course of an academic year. Upon completion, fellows will present their findings at the annual CSRD Student Fellows Research Symposium and have their projects published on the CSRD’s website.
The CSRD Student Fellows program aims to uplift diverse voices and perspectives in its policy research program. Applicants from historically and systemically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
What are the requirements of the research project?
Research products are flexible depending on your topic, audience, and academic background. Student research projects may take the form of a research paper, policy brief, series of podcast episodes, informational exhibit or website, poster presentation, or another research-based outcome. We encourage creativity – if your desired research outcome is not listed here, we are open to discussing potential options with you! All research projects will be published on the CSRD website and fellows will present their findings at the annual CSRD Student Fellows Research Symposium. Recordings of the CSRD Student Fellows Research Symposium will be uploaded to the CSRD YouTube channel.
Am I eligible to apply to the CSRD Student Fellows Program?
To apply to the CSRD Student Fellows program you must meet the following requirements:
- Current undergraduate, graduate, and/or predoctoral student who has not received candidacy at The University of Texas at Austin
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Available for a minimum of three hours per week to participate in weekly meetings, attend CSRD programming, and work on the independent research project
- Committed to conducting research in service of equitable policy outcomes in alignment with the CSRD’s mission
- Has not previously participated in the CSRD Student Fellows program
What do I need to apply to the CSRD Student Fellows Program?
Complete the online application form with the following elements:
- A completed online application
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of recommendation from a professor, current/past supervisor, or academic advisor. Recommenders can upload their letter here.
What does a CSRD Student Fellow do?
- attend weekly meetings featuring guest speakers and leading scholars to support the development of research skills and agendas
- create and execute an independent research project on a policy topic of their choosing related to the CSRD’s mission
- present at the annual CSRD Student Fellows Research Symposium
- network with current and previous fellows, faculty fellows, and scholars affiliated with the CSRD and LBJ School of Public Affairs
- attend CSRD scholar talks and programming
- serve as ambassadors to the CSRD, LBJ School of Public Affairs, and The University of Texas at Austin
What are the benefits of being a CSRD Student Fellow?
Course Credit and Stipend
Undergraduate fellows will receive a $375 stipend and will have the option to enroll in the 1 credit hour course PA 159T Public Policy Issues in Spring 2023. If undergraduate students are enrolled in 12 hours for the semester, the additional credit hour will carry no additional charge. Click here for more information about tuition rates. Graduate fellows will receive a $500 stipend and will have the option to enroll in PA 389 Conference Course in Policy Analysis for up to 3 credit hours in Spring 2023.
Mentorship and Networking
CSRD Student Fellows are assigned a faculty mentor whose scholarly expertise is related to their research topic of choice. Student Fellows meet with their mentors throughout their fellowship period to receive research support and feedback on their projects. In addition to their faculty mentor, CSRD Student Fellows will be invited to academic talks, receptions, and programming hosted by the CSRD and LBJ School.
Develop Research Skills in a Community of Researchers
Weekly meetings provide CSRD Student Fellows with the opportunity for formal and informal support in the research process among a community of researchers learning with and from each other. Student Fellows will learn about research methods, practices, frameworks, and ways to share their research from CSRD Faculty Fellows and affiliated scholars across disciplines. Student Fellows will also be connected to research resources available on and off-campus.
Practice Editing, Publishing, and Presenting Research
Over the course of the program, Student Fellows will practice developing and discussing their prospective research agendas with support and feedback from their cohort. As they work toward their final research projects, CSRD Student Fellows will be guided through the process of peer review and revision. Finally, Student Fellows will experience the process of publishing and presenting their work at the annual symposium.
What are you looking for in a strong candidate?
A strong candidate demonstrates a keen interest and sincere passion for social justice in their application responses and through their previous academic/professional/extra-curricular experience. Applicants are not hindered by a lack of formal research experience or knowledge, but familiarity with the research process is preferred.
Do you have a description of the spring class or examples of what typically is covered?
The spring class is a conference course; it isn’t a traditional class but an opportunity to get credit hours for taking part in the fellows program. There are no additional meeting times or course requirements outside those of the fellows program.
Is previous research experience required?
Previous research experience is not required. Part of the CSRD Student Fellows Program’s purpose is to bring together students from across campus who share a passion for race and democracy, regardless of their academic background. While we do consider applicants’ research experience, our selection criteria look at the student in a wholistic manner.
What are you looking for in a strong candidate?
A strong candidate demonstrates a keen interest and sincere passion for social justice in their application responses and through their previous academic/professional/extra-curricular experience. Applicants are not hindered by a lack of formal research experience or knowledge, but familiarity with the research process is preferred.
Do you have a description of the spring class or examples of what typically is covered?
The spring class is a conference course; it isn’t a traditional class but an opportunity to get credit hours for taking part in the fellows program. There are no additional meeting times or course requirements outside those of the fellows program.
Is previous research experience required?
Previous research experience is not required. Part of the CSRD Student Fellows Program’s purpose is to bring together students from across campus who share a passion for race and democracy, regardless of their academic background. While we do consider applicants’ research experience, our selection criteria look at the student in a wholistic manner.