Community-Engaged Research Fellowship Program
The Penn State CTSI Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) Fellowship provides training and mentorship to early-stage investigators who want to strengthen their expertise in community-engaged research and apply those skills to their research programs.
Community-engaged research involves meaningful participation by community partners throughout the research process. Partners may include community members, patients, clinicians, researchers, health systems, training institutions, policymakers and other organizations. Their involvement may range from collaboration across all stages of a study to participation in a specific activity, such as recruitment and retention, survey development or dissemination of research findings.
Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Nov. 15, 2026.
About the Fellowship
The one-year fellowship will help fellows develop practical skills in the science and practice of community-engaged research. Fellows will work with an experienced mentor, participate in CTSI Community Engagement activities and apply CEnR principles to a pilot study or an existing research project involving a community.
Projects involving communities in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth—particularly rural communities and CTSI-established community partners—are strongly encouraged. Fellows will develop a plan for presentations, publications and an external grant proposal as part of the fellowship experience.
Program Details and Application Process
During the fellowship, the awardee will:
Receive training and mentorship from a mentor experienced in community-engaged research.
Conduct a pilot study or participate in a study that applies CEnR principles and meaningfully engages a community.
Participate in selected CTSI Community Engagement Team meetings, typically held twice monthly.
Contribute to CTSI community-engaged research activities and services, such as consultations and community engagement studios.
Meet with faculty members and experts in community-engaged research to discuss the fellow’s research and professional development.
Complete a CEnR curriculum with guidance from CTSI Community Engagement leadership.
Participate in CTSI-sponsored presentations and workshops related to community-engaged research.
Develop and complete deliverables that include presentations, publications and an external grant proposal, with a timeline for each.
Early-stage investigators at any Penn State campus are eligible to apply if they:
Are eligible to submit external grant proposals as a principal investigator;
Are interested in advancing their community-engaged research knowledge and skills; and
Have a mentor experienced in community-engaged research.
Applicants should submit a complete application as a single PDF through InfoReady. The application may not exceed four single-spaced pages, excluding the budget and additional attachments, and should include:
The project title and abstract.
The applicant’s goals for the fellowship, including the research area, its significance, how community partners will be involved, the need for increased community participation, any prior or existing relationships with the community and the reason the fellowship is needed.
An activity plan describing the proposed activities, how they will advance the fellow’s goals and the CEnR Fellowship goals, and the planned deliverables and timeline.
A mentorship plan describing the relationship between the applicant and mentor, the mentor’s role, the planned mentoring activities and how the applicant’s research aligns with the mentor’s expertise.
A budget and letter of support from the applicant’s department chair or institutional leader confirming protected time and the requested budget.
Additional attachments, which do not count toward the four-page limit, should include:
The applicant’s NIH biographical sketch, up to five pages, following current NIH guidance.
The mentor’s NIH biographical sketch, up to five pages, following current NIH guidance.
A mentor letter of support describing the proposed training and mentoring plan, deliverables, the mentor’s relevant expertise and willingness to serve.
A letter of support from the applicant’s department chair or institutional leader.
Applications will be reviewed based on:
The proposal’s innovation, significance and relevance to CTSI’s community-engaged research mission.
The focus on communities within Pennsylvania, especially rural communities and CTSI-established community partners.
The clarity, rigor and feasibility of the work plan.
The likelihood that the fellowship will lead to an external grant proposal.
The applicant’s qualifications, commitment and clearly defined role, as well as the mentor’s qualifications and role.
The strength of institutional, departmental and mentor support.
Priority will be given to early-stage investigators who need additional training or pilot data to advance their scientific careers.
The fellowship can support the awardee’s research-protected time for up to two course buyouts—one per semester—or up to 0.10 FTE during the fellowship period.
Up to $3,000 may be requested to support the mentor’s efforts. These funds may be used for mentor protected time or discretionary expenses, such as travel to a professional meeting or conference registration. Funds may not be used to support the mentor’s or awardee’s research projects.
The total requested budget may not exceed $30,000. The applicant’s department chair or institutional leader must confirm the requested budget and commitment to protected time in a letter of support.
Application deadline: Nov. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Award announcement: Jan. 11, 2027
Fellowship period: June 1, 2027–May 31, 2028
Applicants must use their Penn State credentials and complete Penn State Single Sign-On authentication before submitting through InfoReady. The complete proposal must be submitted as one PDF document.
Awardees must provide a mid-year progress report by Dec. 1, 2027, and a final report no later than 30 days after the end of the fellowship. Reports should describe progress made and completed deliverables, including the plan and timeline for an external grant proposal.