Research Training Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health

This program provides an opportunity to network, develop research skills, engage in mentored research projects, explore new topics, engage with advocacy, and garner clinical experience. Participants each have an Individualized Education Plan and will attend twice weekly meetings with self-guided work throughout the week. One session per week is held in person (with a hybrid option for those who are participating out of state), and the second session will be virtual. Potential benefits for interested scholars also include: membership to the Society of Family Planning, membership to the Scholars Strategy Network, letters of recommendation, and access to conference travel scholarships.

All scholars have a primary scientific mentor and a primary community-based mentor. Scholars participate in a mentored research practicum, and work with their community-based mentor to support any projects or resources the organization is working on. All participants have the opportunity to present aspects of their mentored research and community-based projects at an end-of-series conference of their peers, mentors, and community members hosted by the ASCENT Center.  In addition to the end-of-summer presentation, scholars also have the opportunity to produce a research brief, newspaper editorial, or contribution to a publishable manuscript. 

Commitment varies between 10 and 20 hours per week, depending on the IEP, individual interest, program requirements, and both research and community-based mentor agreement.