CHICAGO, August 31, 2021 – NORC at the University of Chicago has created the NORC Racial Equity and Inclusion Scholars Program, a new opportunity for advanced doctoral students, postdocs, and early career scholars to conduct research on diversity, disparities, equity, and inclusion. The program provides awardees a chance to work on a secondary data analysis project under the supervision of NORC expert staff, build skills, and participate in a robust mentoring and career networking program. 

NORC is funding up to two research scholars in 2021. Applications are due by midnight CT on Friday, September 17, 2021. The inaugural program will run from late September or early October through December 2021. Each scholar will receive $7,500 for a 3-month engagement, starting in late September. The estimated time commitment is approximately one day per week. Research scholars will use existing NORC datasets and conduct secondary data analyses to inform programs, policies, and services that promote diverse populations’ social and economic well-being in the United States.

“The goal of the NORC Racial Equity and Inclusion Scholars Program is to advance the skills and expand the pipeline of emerging scholars who are interested in pursuing research on diversity, disparities, equity, and inclusion, particularly those from historically underrepresented populations,” said Michael López, Vice President in the Education and Child Development department at NORC. “I am excited to be part of the launch of this new mentoring program and support the next generation of diverse scholars.”

NORC is interested in funding diversity, disparities, equity, and inclusion-focused research that has at least one of the following aims: 

1. Describe how structures and other societal contexts frame the experiences of diverse individuals in the United States 
2. Understand strengths within diverse communities in the United States that promote individual success and well-being 
3. Identify important within-group variation that is key for enhancing programs in diverse communities in the United States
4. Examine how racism impacts diverse communities and individuals in the United States