FWS Fall 2026, Educational Leadership Studies Undergraduate Research Assistant: Exploring the Power of Community Education

Job Title
FWS Fall 2026, Educational Leadership Studies Undergraduate Research Assistant: Exploring the Power of Community Education

Requisition Number
DU15024

Department Name
1B531:Federal Work Study

Work Location
251 Scott St Lexington, KY 40503

Salary Range
$15.00

Type of Position
Student

Position Time Status
Part-Time

Required Education

N/A

Required Related Experience

N/A

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

N/A

Shift

Schedule will align with undergraduate researcher’s weekly availability.

Job Summary

As an undergraduate researcher, you will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of

research projects and work alongside Dr. Virginia Downing’s research that centers on the role of

historically underrepresented community-based actors in community organizations.

You will have the opportunity to engage with one or more of the following projects and its

subsequent roles:

• Exploring the Impact of 40 years of Community-Based organization
  • Organizing archival documents from community based programs over the past 40 years.
  • Researching how to create an archive within community-based contexts.
  • Conduct focus groups with youth in the program.
  • Analyze data
• The use of documentary film to spark Civic Engagement
  • Review literature on the impact of documentary film on civic engagement
  • Conduct focus groups with local community members
  • Analyze data
• Understanding youth’s perspectives on civic engagement
  • Supporting research project development about a youth program at Tates Creek Middle School
  • Review literature on civic engagement efficacy for youth and place-based education
  • Support in designing data collection methods (i.e. survey, interviews, focus groups

Each research strand will provide an undergraduate researcher with skill development across

the research process with opportunities to write and present on research.

• This position seeks an undergraduate researcher that is:
• A self-starter
• Detail oriented
• Has broad or specific interests in research within community-based spaces
• Interested Applicants will:
• Submit application
  • Includes resume, essay questions, and one reference,
• Essay questions:
  • Please describe why you are interested in this position and what you hope to gain by being a WRAP Researcher,
  • Please describe experience you have working with or participating in community-based organizations,
• Participate in a 30 minute interview,

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

A self-starter; Detail oriented; Communication skills.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Has broad or specific interests in research within community-based spaces.

Deadline to Apply
09/11/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.