Chapin Hall

The Chapin Hall Equity First Summer Associates program is an intensive seven-week professional development experience designed for doctoral students in the Chicago area who are prepared to advance beyond foundational equity theory into applied research application.

Participant Profile 

The program is designed for doctoral students who:

• Are currently engaged in active research projects
• Have completed a minimum of 2 years of their course of study (slight preference for those who have completed comprehensive exams, though this is not required)
• Have demonstrated integration of equity principles in research practice
• Possess experience with community participatory action research or community partnerships
• Seek advanced application of specific Culturally Responsive Research and Equitable Evaluation (CRREE) methodologies
• Are prepared for intellectually rigorous and vulnerable scholarly discourse
• complex questions regarding research extraction, power dynamics, and impact

The program may not be appropriate for candidates seeking foundational introduction to equity concepts or those whose primary interest is learning about communities rather than engaging in authentic partnership with them. Participants should be able to travel to Chicago for kickoff and culmination events.

Application Process 

The selection process evaluates candidates prepared for the application of CRREE principles.

Phase I – Application components include:

• Pre-assessment survey to evaluate culturally responsive, inclusive, or racially equitable research
• Written application (demographics and short answer)
• Video submission (3-4 minutes)

Phase II – Finalists will be invited for a 30-minute interview.

Key Dates

2026 Program: June 15–July 31, 2026

Application process for 2027 program: Starts in December 2026. Watch this page for updates on online information sessions and exact details of and due dates for application materials.

Learn more about this and other racial equity initiatives at Chapin Hall, explore Chapin Hall’s Racial Equity Principles, or write to us at EquityFirstSummerAssociates@ChapinHall.org.