Pathways Florida State University: The Partners United for Research Pathways Oriented to Social Justice in Education (PURPOSE)

• In Event: Promoting Diversity Through Pathways in the Preparation of Educational Researchers: Intersectionality of Thought and Action

Abstract

Florida State University. The Partners United for Research Pathways Oriented to Social Justice in Education (PURPOSE) training program at Florida State University (FSU) and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) provides upper-level undergraduate and first year masters students with experiences in conducting education research while preparing participants for doctoral study. The training program includes faculty and students from both universities.

The PURPOSE training program's P–20 theme focuses on researching social justice issues within educational contexts. As part of the year-long training program, fellows receive training in education research, conduct research with faculty mentors, and receive assistance in applying to doctoral study. Throughout the year fellows participate in proseminars, within which they learn about social justice issues. They also learn about the graduate school application process and integrate learning from their research experiences.

During the fellows' initial spring semester in the program, they take a research methods course and participate in mentored research. Then, during the summer, fellows complete a research practicum at the North Florida Freedom Schools (NFFS). The NFFS strives to reach low-income students, who are racial or ethnic minorities, during a free 6-week summer day camp that is intended to empower students to make a difference in their world through a social action project. Fellows conduct research on the NFFS under the supervision of their mentors while also volunteering (e.g., assisting with curricula, students' social action projects) and submitting reflective reports on their experiences. During the fall semester fellows participate in a research dissemination practicum, culminating with a poster presentation.

For participation in the training program, fellows receive a stipend and a small allowance for research and travel.

A primary objective of all Pathways training programs is to help increase diversity in the Education Sciences. PURPOSE represents a partnership between two Florida Universities that serve diverse student populations: Florida State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a historically black university. The program intends to recruit underrepresented racial/ethnic students, economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, veterans, and first-generation college students. Participating faculty represent multiple academic disciplines and research expertise relevant to the training program's social justice theme. (https://ies.ed.gov/ncer/projects/grant.asp?ProgID=95&year=2017&grantid=1980)

Author

• Alysia D. Roehrig, Florida State University
  Presenting Author