Community Scholars Program

The Community Scholars Program (CSP) empowers partnership between student researchers, faculty, and community organizations to collaboratively address local issues. An expansion of the traditional OUR Scholars Program, the Community Scholars Program seeks students with existing research and/or service learning experience to work on a community project for two consecutive semesters (fall and spring). Applications can be completed through the competitions portal.

Faculty who are interested in mentoring in this program must provide a brief narrative on the status/background on their partnership with a community organization. Utilizing the Community Scholars Program should be an extension of an existing, effective partnership. Faculty

*Eligible for Federal Work Study funding

CSP: Important Dates

• Have interest in research that has social impact
• Demonstrate interest in research, problem-solving, and agile thinking
• Display strong communication skills (written and oral); interpersonal skills are necessary in order to work with the research mentor and team
• Manage time effectively to balance research and courses; tracking the time on the project and complying with institutional policy including limits on hours worked per week when completing time sheets.
• Report any needs or concerns regarding the project and/or mentor as soon as they develop to OUR. For example, if you are not receiving sufficient help from your research mentors, please let Dr. Sarah Powell, OUR Associate Director, know as soon as possible

OUR Community Scholars are required to:

• Attend all OUR Professional Development workshops. Excused absences must be approved by Dr. Sarah Powell, Associate Director, at least 48 hours prior
• Complete a mentoring agreement, mid-term check-in, and the end of research OUR Scholar evaluation.
• Write an abstract based on your research project
• Create a disciplinary-appropriate presentation of research (e.g. poster, talk with slides, performance, display)
• Present research project at the end of each semester as a participant:
  • Fall: State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS)
  • Spring: Undergraduate Research Conference (URC)

Program Admission Requirements

• Currently enrolled Charlotte undergraduates
• Students must have good academic standing
• Students must have good conduct standing with the university
• Students must be eligible for employment at UNC Charlotte (Visit HR for employment eligibility questions)
• Must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Former OUR Scholar
  • Former CRU Scholar
  • Passed UCOL2102 Introduction to Community Based Research
  • Rising 3rd or 4th year Levine Scholar or University Honors Program student
  • Have a letter of recommendation from a CSP mentor

Check out the first ever Community Scholars!