Do you have a social justice research idea?
The Project Humanities Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for students to complete a research-based applied project that considers a social justice issue under the direction of a faculty mentor. Ambassadors receive a $2500 stipend (paid based on key project milestones) and faculty mentors will receive a stipend of $1000 at the completion of the program.
What is a research-based applied project:
- is not just a written paper,
- has a worthwhile world/social impact beyond your personal/professional goals,
- draws from applicant’s expertise formally and informally,
- engages others,
- can be recorded, shared, documented, or otherwise represented and published through a public presentation (May-June 2024) and the Project Humanities website
Project examples include but are not limited to:
- Experimental or correlational study that involves “traditional” research design, data collection, and statistical analysis
- Field study that examines theoretical predictions
- Survey study examining opinions, attitudes, or practices within a field or discipline
- Development of a new intervention, training program, instructional approach, or other programmatic guide grounded in research literature, accompanied by implementation and evaluation plan
Eligibility and Expectations
- Currently enrolled ASU undergraduate students (freshmen to seniors) from all majors and years of study
- Applicant must identify and have a commitment from an ASU faculty member who is benefits-eligible and not on a sabbatical or leave of absence.
- No GPA requirement
- Applicant must commit to full 6-month term for project completion.
Application Guidelines
You will submit your proposal online. Your application will include:
- Description of your proposed research project (maximum 250 words) that addresses the following:
- The who, what, when, where, why, and how details of your proposed project
- A description of how you would complete the project
- Personal experience, academic background and/or prior knowledge of proposed research topic
- An impact statement related to the importance of this research in terms of your long-term goals
- A current resume or curriculum vitae
- Faculty mentor contact information (we will contact your faculty mentor to ensure their participation)
Proposal
Your proposal should address the following:
- Feasibility of proposed project, including a clear plan for completion
- The who, what, when, where, why, and how details of project
- Comparative review of similar projects and what makes this project different
- Personal experience, academic background and/or prior knowledge of topic
Applications will be ranked based on the following criteria:
- Project relevance and timeliness
- Project feasibility
- Proposal quality (clarity, thoughtfulness, comprehensiveness)
- Faculty recommendation letter
Faculty recommendation letters can be structured into a short paragraph response (4-5 sentences) that addresses the following:
- How long and in what capacity the faculty member has worked with the student?
- Acknowledgment of the student project idea and its relevance to their field of study
- A commitment to mentor the student throughout the Spring semester (including monthly update meetings with the Project Humanities staff)
Dates & Time
The Ambassadorship begins in January 2024 and continues through June 2024.
Each ambassador is required to connect with an ASU benefits-eligible faculty member to serve as their mentor. Ambassadors will meet with their mentor at least twice monthly and attend cohort meetings monthly (scheduled for 1-30-2024, 2-15-2024, 3-19-2024 and 4-18-2024 at 4pm). Ambassadors will dedicate 5-7 hours a week for meetings and independent work. Ambassadors will attend at least two Project Humanities public events.