Emerging Scholars Program
2025-26 APPLICATION PORTAL NOW OPEN
Application Deadline: March 7, 2025
One of the objectives of the National African American Child & Family Research Center (NAACFRC) is to build research capacity, develop research infrastructure, and conduct research with African American communities.
The Emerging Scholars program is a one-year, remote-mentored research internship designed to increase the knowledge and skills of students interested in research on economic and social mobility, poverty alleviation, and early care and education for African American children and families.
Scholars receive personalized, cross-disciplinary mentoring, a $20,000 stipend, and additional financial support for professional development and travel to present research findings
Now accepting applications for the program starting in June 2025. Please submit your application by March 7, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
SCHOLARS RECEIVE:
- Personalized, cross-disciplinary training to strengthen their capacity to design and implement research that impacts African American children and families.
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Mentoring from experienced researchers who will create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for success.
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Opportunity to contribute to the field through peer-reviewed manuscripts and scientific presentations.
- $20,000 stipend and additional financial support for professional development and travel to present research findings.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
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Graduate students enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program (e.g., M.A., M.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D.) in a U.S. college or university.
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Studying social work, public administration, public health, education, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
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Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Black/African American men are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
A complete application includes all information and materials listed below. Applications that do not include all components, such as the required letters of recommendation, will not be considered. All information should be submitted through the online application form.
Required Application Info and Materials:
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Contact information, demographic information, educational history.
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Include any employment history (including unpaid work and internships), outreach efforts, volunteer activities, honors, awards, presentations, publications, etc.
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Short Answers: Describe short and longer-term career goals, research interests, program qualifications, and commitment to research with African Americans.
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Letter(s) of Recommendation: Upload at least one letter from an advisor or faculty member describing the applicant’s capacity to participate and succeed in the program.
If you are interested in participating in the Undergraduate Emerging Scholars Program and meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the online application by March 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
QUESTIONS? Email emergingscholars@naacfrc.org
2024-25 EMERGING SCHOLARS COHORT
Kelley Hollie
Mentor: Dr. Rodney Washington
Kelley earned her undergraduate degree in social work with a concentration in physical and mental health from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 2004. She earned her master’s in social work at Baylor University in 2005. Kelley then moved to Sheffield, England, where she worked in child protection for the next 10 years. While in England, Kelley earned a postgraduate diploma in child welfare and safeguarding from the University of Huddersfield in 2012. She has more than 15 years of direct practice in social work, including child protection, clinical practice, international adoption, foster care, nonprofit management, and teaching in higher education. She is currently a second-year doctoral student at Alabama State University. Kelley’s research interests center on the Black family, emphasizing Black fathers, and autism.
Heather A. Jones
Mentor: Dr. Cassandra Bolar
Heather is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker entering her third year as a doctoral student at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work, with a minor in African American Studies. She earned her B.A. in English and African & Black Diaspora studies from DePaul University and her M.S.W. from the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
Her research uses a transgenerational perspective to gain an in-depth understanding of how complex forms of trauma impacts the mental well-being of Black families. Her work is deeply invested in improving Black parents’ mental health and fostering positive socioemotional well-being and outcomes for Black children.
Sylvia Annan
Mentor: Dr. Brian McGregor
Sylvia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose passion is to use her skills, knowledge, and abilities to advance the cause of social work to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations. She has over a decade of experience practicing social work and social work administration in diverse settings. She is currently enrolled in a social work Ph.D. program with a focus in policy, planning, and administration at Clark Atlanta University. Sylvia hopes to develop her research, policy, and advocacy skills to influence policies that impact minority groups, especially African Americans.
Her research interests include child welfare, juvenile justice, substance abuse and mental health, food insecurity, and social work licensing. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, and experimenting with various recipes.
Doreek Charles
Mentor: Dr. Alex Camardelle
Doreek, M.S.W., B.A., is a Ph.D. student at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Rowan University and M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her research interests include historical and contemporary racial residential segregation and associated socioeconomic and health inequities for African Americans. She also explores community-based alternative economic frameworks and practices that promote equity for Black and African American communities.
Past Emerging Scholar Cohorts
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