Critical Urban Research Fellowship (CURF)
The Critical Urban Research Fellowship (CURF) program is funded by the Urban Research Endowment in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Memphis. through a generous gift from the Assisi Foundation. This competitive program places highly qualified doctoral students with organizations that are leading community development efforts in Memphis. The program seeks to support the work of selected placement agencies while enhancing the education of selected student fellows. Selected students will be paired with an organization where they will work for 20 hours per week for the duration of the academic year. There will be 1-2 Fellowships available in 2025-26 (subject to funding).
Organizations will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Appropriateness of agency mission
- Demonstrated and potential ability to improve quality of life for Memphis neighborhoods and residents
- Connection to priority areas/neighborhoods of the city of Memphis
- Clarity of the proposed fellowship scope of work and focus
- Capacity to provide a positive learning experience for graduate students
Organizations considered as placement agencies may be required to complete an in-person or phone interview. Host Applications are due by December 9, 2024.
Visit the online application placement agency application.
Once agency hosts are chosen, the student application process will open.
Students will be selected and matched with an organization on the following criteria:
- Appropriateness of research interests
- Demonstrated and potential ability to conduct research on critical issues important to the organization
- Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
- Existing research skills (confidence in producing literature reviews, library research, writing, and presentation skills)
- Existing statistical skills or the ability to learn necessary skills for analyzing data
- Student applications are due by February 15th.