The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) invites applications from current Elon University first-year students for a three-year (Summer 2025 – Spring 2028) research collaboration on Learning on Location: Place-Based Pedagogies in Higher Education. Place-based learning emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that connect students to a local community and environment, whether on- or off-campus. 

Accepted CEL Student Scholars will collaborate with three Elon University faculty – Lauren Kearns, Phillip Motley, and Jessie L. Moore – and two additional scholars – Ashley J. Holmes, Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning at Oregon State University, and Susan Hrach, director of the Faculty Center and professor of English at Columbus State University in Georgia – to lead international, multi-institutional research on this engaged learning topic.

Learn more about the 2025-2028 research focus.

Eligibility

The CEL Student Scholar program is open to current Elon University first-year students (during the 2024-2025 academic year) from any major. Applicants should have an interest in engaged learning in higher education (broadly) and in the 2025-2028 research topic  –  Learning on Location: Place-Based Pedagogies in Higher Education.

First-year students apply in spring (Spring 2025) to begin the program in the summer between their first and second years (Summer 2025).

Application Guidelines

To apply, submit the following materials by April 7, 2025:

• A letter of application, and
• A supporting letter of recommendation from an Elon University faculty or staff member.

Letter of Application

Your letter of application should:

• Describe your interest in the research topic  –  Learning on Location: Place-Based Pedagogies in Higher Education – and in collaborating with faculty to lead international research about engaged learning;
• Briefly introduce your major (and any minors), as well as other campus, community, or workplace activities that shape who you are; and
• Reflect on what you would hope to gain from this three-year research collaboration.

Submit an electronic copy of your letter of application to CEL Director, Dr. Jessie L. Moore (jmoore28@elon.edu), by April 7, 2025.

Supporting Letter of Recommendation

Your supporting letter of recommendation should come from an Elon University faculty or staff member who can speak to:

• Your preparation for undertaking this mentored research opportunity; and
• Contributions you might make to the program, through both your collaboration with CEL’s research seminar participants and your interactions with other CEL Student Scholars.

The Elon University faculty or staff member writing your supporting letter of recommendation should submit an electronic copy of the letter to CEL Director, Dr. Jessie L. Moore (jmoore28@elon.edu), by April 7, 2025.