Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative (CERSC)
Division of Community Engagement, Virginia Commonwealth University
📅 Application Deadline: June 15
💵 Stipend: $500 upon full participation and completion
Overview
The Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative (CERSC) is an initiative of VCU’s Division of Community Engagement (DCE) designed to support faculty interested in integrating community-engaged research (CEnR) into their scholarly work.
Whether you're just beginning to explore CEnR or seeking deeper guidance and connection, this collaborative provides space to grow, reflect, and act. Participants will build meaningful relationships across disciplines, share challenges and expertise, and receive mentorship on how to succeed as a community-engaged scholar.
CEnR is often time-intensive. This group will explore strategies to leverage that time for both scholarly and community-centered outcomes—tailored to each participant’s current stage of research.
Note: You do not need to focus exclusively on CEnR to apply. Scholars pursuing other research paths who wish to integrate community engagement into their work are welcome.
What to Expect
This collaborative offers foundational knowledge, practical guidance, and peer learning to help you deepen or launch your CEnR efforts. You will work toward a specific product or milestone with the support of experienced mentors and peers.
Program Goals
- Build faculty capacity for rigorous, impactful, partnership-driven CEnR
- Create a peer learning environment grounded in shared values
- Provide mentorship, conceptual support, and implementation guidance
- Support each participant in advancing a specific CEnR product or goal
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a tenure-track assistant professor
- Have an existing interest in or idea related to CEnR
- Be available for monthly sessions (Sept 2025 – May 2026)
- Submit all application materials by June 15
- Be one of 6 participants selected
What Participants Will Receive
Under the mentorship of Dr. Mosavel, participants will benefit from:
- Strategic guidance to refine your CEnR focus
- Thought partnership on project design and stakeholder engagement
- Support navigating institutional structures and expectations
- Insights into publishing, presenting, and framing CEnR
- Space for reflection on values, positionality, and partnerships
- Structured feedback sessions to help implement your goals
Note: This is not a writing workshop. It is a process-focused, community-engaged mentorship experience.
Participant Commitments
Participants are expected to:
- Attend 90-minute monthly sessions (in-person or hybrid)
- Engage in peer exchange and collaborative learning
- Submit a brief reflection in May on their CEnR journey (with permission, reflections may be shared as learning resources)
- Develop a CEnR-related product by May (e.g., partnership plan, proposal draft, or project concept)
Stipend
Participants who fully complete the program will receive a $500 stipend.
Ready to Apply?
Interested in Community-Engaged Research?
Join the Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative (CERSC) — a unique opportunity for tenure-track assistant professors to strengthen their CEnR practice, connect with cross-disciplinary peers, and receive expert mentorship.
Apply by June 15