Loyola University Chicago

The Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) is soliciting applications from current Loyola University Chicago undergraduates for a summer research fellowship with the developing National Public Housing Museum which will be located in Chicago. The fellow will work with staff at the Public Housing Museum on research related to the museum’s focus in documenting the history of public housing in Chicago and understanding the impact of public housing on residents and communities from the past through the present. CURL staff and Loyola faculty will also be advising the fellow.

The 12-week full-time fellowship will start in mid-May and run through mid-August 2008. Students will be provided a stipend of up to $4,000. This is open to all undergraduate Loyola University students who will be returning in Fall 2008. Junior standing or higher is preferred. Students from the social sciences and humanities are strongly encouraged to apply. It is possible that the fellowship could be continued part-time through the 2008-2009 academic year.

The Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) of Loyola University Chicago seeks to promote equality and to improve people's lives in communities throughout the Chicago metropolitan region. CURL pursues this goal by building and supporting collaborative research and education efforts. These partnerships connect Loyola faculty and students with community and nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and government agencies. Such collaborations link the skills and wisdom present within every community with the specialized knowledge and academic discipline of a vital urban university. Working together, community needs are addressed and the academic experience is enriched. More information on CURL, its research activities, and other fellowships is available at www.luc.edu/curl.

The National Public Housing Museum is currently being developed by a broad coalition of foundations, community activists, elected officials, and historians. Plans are to locate it in a former Chicago Housing Authority building on the Near Westside. Born out of the early vision of public housing residents, the National Public Housing Museum will bring to life the many stories and voices of residents, and examine public housing’s effect on the larger patterns of community and urban development in Chicago and other U.S. cities. Like other social history museums throughout the world, the National Public Housing Museum will foster the values of diversity, tolerance, citizen participation, and social equity. By examining the many lessons of public housing, both its success and failures, the Museum’s exhibitions and public forums will make important connections to today’s urban challenges. More information is available at: http://www.publichousingmuseum.org

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested students should:

• Go to the LUROP Website and fill out the basic cover sheet used by all undergraduate research fellowships at Loyola. Note: Not all of the questions apply to CURL e.g. "Faculty mentor" and "Project title." Leave these blank for CURL applications.
• Submit a one-page essay indicating interests in social change issues as well as a summary of previous community experience and research skills (e.g., Web design, interviewing skills, statistical experience).
• Attach a brief resume along with the names of two Loyola faculty members who can provide a reference as needed.
• Put all materials together and send via e-mail or regular mail to:

Questions about the fellowship can be directed to Dr. Philip Nyden, Director, Center for Urban Research and Learning (pnyden@luc.edu).  Applications must be received by CURL no later than Monday, April 21, 2008.