In the PURPOSE Scholars Network, undergraduate and master’s students join a network of social justice scholars, engage in online research training, and prepare for future graduate studies. Through structured seminars, research and professional development coaching, and collaborative mentorship, students develop critical research skills, and faculty gain support to build research teams and expand their scholarly reach. Participants earn recognition for their commitment to research excellence and meaningful academic collaboration.
Program Components
- Online research presentations and seminars
- Access to the remote PURPOSE Network, a social justice research learning community
- Research and professional development coaching
- To earn the PURPOSE Research Scholars Certificate
- Attend 6 seminars covering research methods, social justice, and education topics, completing digital check-in/out reflections
- Meet twice per term with a faculty mentor
- Participate in 3 coaching sessions on research and professional development
- Complete a researcher reflection project and write a personal statement
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
Scholar Benefits:
- Develop essential skills as effective research assistants
- Become a successful mentee
- Engage a broad faculty network
- Prepare for graduate school and a career in higher education or social justice
Faculty Member Benefits:
- Opportunities to be a role model to the next generation of students and researchers
- Connections to broader faculty networks and expanded research reach, including resources to maximize productivity while developing students and structured support to establish and maintain research teams
Eligibility and How to Apply
The PURPOSE Scholars Network is open to faculty-student mentorship pairs. Faculty and student pairs need to already have an established relationship with semi-regular interaction. You might be a good fit for the PURPOSE Scholars Network if:
- Students: You want to pursue research or graduate school in the future
- Faculty: You are a role model to students, and you want to build your research agenda or develop emerging researchers. Serving as a PURPOSE Network faculty member brings visibility to your investment in students.
Eligibility for PURPOSE Scholars
- Upper-level undergraduates and master’s students with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Commitment to social justice and educational equality
- Education and social sciences field of study OR interest in education within your discipline
- Interest in research or graduate school
- Availability for periodic Friday morning seminars and daytime meetings
Expectations for Faculty Members
- Meet with your Scholar twice per term to discuss their learning and career steps
- An established research agenda or interest in structuring a research agenda is recommended, but not required
The PURPOSE Scholars Network requires a student application, which triggers a request for a brief recommendation from the faculty member willing to serve as a role model and guide on the professional development journey.
- Information Sessions are offered on Zoom. Register here.
- Applications for a Summer 2026 are due April 15, 2026: Apply Here
- Orientation for those accepted to the PURPOSE Scholars Network will be held the week of May 11.
- The 2026 Scholars Network runs through December.
