Our 2023 inaugural cohort of MPE Summer Program Students (left to right): Michael Sarkis, Deborah Coffey, Shanyce Taylor, Haneen Abu Tawila, Adriana Rosario-Surillo, Evelyz Candelario Piñero, Hussein Fayad
About
NSF REU Site: Mobilization and Political Economy (MPE)
The Mobilization and Political Economy (MPE) Summer Research Program trains undergraduate students from underrepresented groups to conduct research on mobilization and/or political economy, and supports their placement in graduate social science programs. The 8-week residential summer program, which takes place at the University of Pittsburgh, provides students with training in research methods, professional development, and research and mentorship opportunities.
The goals of this program are to: 1) foster personal and professional growth and well-being, 2) reduce the quantitative analysis skills gap for participants, 3) expose participants to intentional professional research training through participation in meritorious research projects, and 4) equip participants with skills needed to succeed in a future profession within the social sciences.
The program will be held on-site from mid-June through early August, 2024. This all-inclusive program covers participants’ travel, lodging, and living expenses, and pays participants a stipend ($4800).
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TBA. The Program usually runs for 8 weeks during the months of June and July.
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January 15, 2025 11:59 PM (PST)
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Eligibility/Requirements
3.0 GPA
Undergraduate student participants in REU Sites must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.
Applicants must have the ability to spend all 8 weeks at The University of Pittsburgh, and not have other work or academic obligations during those 8 weeks.
Applicants must have a research interest in mobilization and/or political economy.
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Application Components
1. An updated academic transcript.
2. The name and email addresses of two professors who will serve as references.
3. A short essay (no more than 400 words) on why you want to pursue graduate studies.
4. A short description (no more than 500 words) of the research area(s) you want to explore during your participation in this program.
Note: please be sure to explain how the proposed research area/project relates to the topics of mobilization and/or political economy.
5. An explanation (no more than 300 words) of why you want to participate in this program.
6. A short reflection (no more than 300 words) on how you plan to contribute to diversity in higher education.
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Q: Do our recommenders need to submit letters of recommendations?
A: No. We ask that you just provide their contact information.
Q: When will be notified whether we have been selected for the program?
A: We hope to notify accepted candidates and alternates in mid to late February (2025).
Q: The application states that we must be available for the whole 8 weeks of the program but my school is on the quarter system and my finals period overlaps with the first week of the program. Does this disqualify me?
A: Not necessarily. If you are a finalist, we will do our best to work with you and your professors to figure out a solution that works for all parties.
Q: How many spots are available for the 2025 MPE Program?
A: We are able to accept 8 students this year.
Q: Will my housing and food be provided by the program?
A: Yes. The program provides all program participants with their own room in shared apartment-style accommodation. Participants will be paid a stipend, and will also receive additional funds to cover dining expenses.