Request for Proposals

For a preview of the RFP, please see the template attached at the bottom of this page.  Click here to go to the request for proposals (RFP)

More information on what is expected in the proposals:

The purpose of this conference is:

• to honor scholarship which focuses on challenges facing society with regard to equity and inclusion and historically marginalized and under-represented communities;
• to illuminate community-engaged research which reflects qualities of reciprocity and mutuality in the co-creation of scholarship, in addition to being transdisciplinary and inclusive of knowledge from outside the academy.  
• to provide undergraduate researchers an opportunity to engage in academic discourse and research dissemination

For student scholars, this is an opportunity to engage in academic dialogue with peers and faculty mentors. For faculty, this conference presents an opportunity to explore new research in equity and social justice across multiple disciplines; and to inspire and be inspired by the next generation of scholars. In particular, we hope that this conference will encourage historically under-represented students to pursue careers in the academy.                                                                                                         

Undergraduates are invited to submit proposals to be selected to present their research at the conference as either full presentations or as part of the poster session.  All methodological approaches and disciplines are welcomed, including projects that are comparative, international, or transnational. Research proposals that are field-based or use participatory research methodologies are encouraged. 

Students may choose to present in one of two presentation categories: 

 • Panel Presentations (live) 

 • Poster Presentations (asynchronous)

What is the difference between these types of presentations?  If the research you’d like to present will be complete by the time of the conference (meaning data collection and analysis stages are complete), please apply to present for either the Panel Presentation (live) or the Poster Session (asynchronous). 

Please note that only independent research will be considered for full presentations. Independent research can include scholarship that is completed under the supervision of a faculty member. Examples of independent research includes work done as part of a senior or graduating thesis, dissertation, or final capstone project. Please note that there are two types of presentations at this conference.  All proposals must follow the same 450 word format. 

The proposal deadline is February 12,  2024 at 11:59pm EST.  Applicants will be notified of decisions on March 1st 2024.

Proposal guidelines

The proposal should be a maximum of 450 words (1.5-2 pages) and must address all of the following elements:

• • Research question
  • Purpose of the study
  • Theoretical framework
  • Research methods
  • Preliminary findings or results
  • Conclusion, implications, and significance of the study

Proposals should be double-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman) with one inch margins all around in either Microsoft Word or Google Docs (please no PDFs). Please put your name and institution at the top of the proposal.   

For help on completing the proposals, please refer to the FAQs.                      

Sponsored by the following offices of Harvard College: Phillips Brooks House: Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship; Harvard Foundation for Inter-cultural and Race Relations; Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships; FAS Staff, Student and Faculty Standing Committee on Public Service and in partnership with Campus Compact.