CSM-WJI VET-NET Research Fellowship

SPRING 2021 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:
CSM and WJI VET-NET Pilot Program

Introduction

College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) and William Joiner Institute (WJI) are inviting undergraduate student applications for the VET-NET Pilot Program. This new collaboration is designed to engage, elevate and integrate veteran experience, skills and leadership into the college/university environment, better serve veteran students in the College over the near- and long-term, increase the number of veteran students choosing STEM majors, and ultimately to scale the program across the University. A $5,000 stipend will be awarded for the Spring 2021, either through a fellowship or student hourly work (up to two stipends may be awarded).

Examples of assignments

  • Collecting data on UMass Boston's veteran students and run a small-scale focus group(s) to capture their needs, experience, and academic and professional aspirations. Data collected may include, but is not limited to:
    • Service, operational specialty, skills, experience, and desired civilian career path.
    • Level of awareness of available UMass Boston veteran & student services.
    • Perceived value in mentor – mentee relationship(s), tutor – tutee relationship(s).
    • Ideas to raise faculty, staff and student awareness of value of veteran experience.
    • Willingness of participation in entrance-type interviews.
  • Evaluating mentoring platforms available and developing a recommendation(s) for a potential solution to facilitate near- and long-term mentor-mentee relationships, link veterans to, or as, available resources, and integrate veteran experience into the institution.
  • Compiling a list of veteran friendly companies that 1) employ large numbers of veterans; 2) have veterans serving in mid-level to senior positions in the company; 3) span the STEM disciplines; and 4) could offer industry internships.
  • Proposing a recommended solution(s) for VET-NET for a near- and long-term system that facilitates unbroken commitment to serve veteran students in the sciences.
  • Presenting results to CSM Dean’s Office, Chairs and WJI staff regarding the findings and recommendations.

Eligibility criteria

  • Be a veteran student currently in their sophomore or junior year
  • GPA of [2.8] or higher

Application Process

  • Application form. Please register to create an account first or login if you have an existing account;
  • A short essay (300 words) of your understanding of the project, and what it is that interests you most about this research fellowship opportunity;
  • Unofficial transcript;
  • Resume;
  • One reference letter.

Next steps

Please direct any questions about the application process to Velina Batchvarov. A selection committee will review all complete applications. Application deadline is Sunday, January 24, 2021. Review of applications will begin January 25, 2021.