Students from IUPUI can put their research and data analysis skills to use to make real change for community organizations in Indianapolis.
Applications are open now through November 7 for students to join the research team at the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy’s Research and Evaluation Clinic in the spring 2022 semester.
The team of student researchers is overseen by CRISP’s Director of Evaluation and CRISP Clinic Director Roxy Lawrence.
“Joining the CRISP Clinic team provides students the opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community,” Lawrence explains. “These students aren’t waiting until they’ve graduated to make an impact—they’re gaining real-world research and evaluation experience, building their networks, and contributing to efforts to make Marion County a more equitable place.”
Those selected will work in teams to learn about local issues and conduct an original community-engaged research or evaluation project. Each project includes work with a community partner who is actively addressing major social issues in Marion County. Students will have the opportunity to develop relationships with community leaders and learn more about how issues of social policy and equity intersect and affect people living in Indianapolis.
More information for students is available at this link. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Applications also are open for community organizations in need of low- to no-cost research and evaluation services. The deadline for organizations to apply is November 21.
“The clinic helps community organizations explain the effectiveness of their programs, which can increase service impact and lead to more sustainable funding opportunities,” Lawrence says.
CRISP selects organizations based on three initial criteria:
- Does the organization/program aim to achieve equitable outcomes among participants, service goals, or other aspects of the work?
- Does the organization/program address issues of social policy?
- Would the organization not be able to obtain these services elsewhere at low or no cost?
In the past, the team has worked with organizations including the Domestic Violence Network, Immigrant Welcome Center, Indianapolis Housing Agency, and Harrison Center for the Arts.
Projects range from support in program evaluations, client engagement, logic model development, interviews and focus groups, survey development, management, and analysis, capacity building, literature reviews, and content analyses.
The CRISP team also takes into consideration whether an organization could conduct any research-related activities on its own, the demographics of clients served, the size and need of any related work, and the willingness to work with students.
These projects last three to four months, from the initial identification and meeting with stakeholders, through development and implementation of research strategy, and culminating in a final report or other products.
Students and organizations interested in applying for the CRISP Clinic can apply online now or reach out directly to Lawrence at rlawren@iu.edu with any questions.
