For Researchers – Digital Promise

For Researchers

An image of teachers at Skyline High School meet with community partners to plan work-based learning opportunities for students.

Join the Research

Connect with practitioners to co-design the future of rural learning with the ingenuity of their communities!

Envisioning Rural Futures is designed to bridge the research-practice gap. We are recruiting researchers interested in rural STEM education to join a facilitated convening aimed at forming long-term Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs). Whether you are already working in rural contexts or looking to expand your work, this convening offers a structured matching process to connect you with motivated rural educators and workforce leaders.

Who Can Join
  • K-12 STEM Education Researchers interested in Rural Contexts: We are particularly looking for researchers interested in rural STEM career pathways, educator problems of practice, locally-responsive education, asset-based curriculum, or a similar focus area.
  • Researchers Dedicated to Collaboration: If selected, you will be working with both educators and workforce leaders in a specific, rural context. We are looking for researchers who are effective collaborators and have experience building relationships.
Benefits of Participation
  • Access to Partners: We handle the recruitment of high-potential rural teams, matching you based on shared interests and research focus.
  • Broader Impacts: Develop research agendas that are directly responsive to community needs, increasing the competitiveness of future NSF grant proposals.
  • Understanding Context: Gain deep insights into rural ingenuity and the specific cultural/economic assets of different rural regions.
  • Compensation: Receive an $800 stipend for your participation.
Commitment
  • Format: Two online workshops (4-5 hours each) held one week apart to allow for reflection and matching researchers with rural teams.
  • Dates: Summer 2026.
  • Pre-Work: Complete a survey to help us match you with the right rural team.
  • Future Opportunity: Possibility to receive travel funding to visit practitioner partners for in-depth project planning.
Apply Now
Sign Up For Updates! Email