April 2012

AERA has launched the Education Research Service Projects (ERSP), a new initiative to encourage education researchers to offer their pro bono expertise to educational organizations, institutions, or other community groups in areas where research can make a difference. The program seeks to connect research with education needs in local communities and to engender a culture of service.

“The Education Research Service Projects initiative is built on the premise that education research experts have a professional responsibility to serve and that AERA as a research association has a responsibility to encourage research scientists and scholars to take seriously this commitment,” said Arnetha Ball, AERA’s 2011-2012 president.

ERSP projects aim to address the research needs of educational entities at any level of education and in formal or informal contexts of learning. Projects may be situated in one or more locales, including outside of the United States, as long as the issue can be addressed through research or technical research expertise and can be feasibly done within the parameters of this initiative.

AERA expects that funded projects will be conducted within one year. Grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be used only to cover direct costs associated with the project. Researchers are expected to volunteer their time and expertise for this research service activity.

Felice J. Levine, AERA Executive Director, reported that Council unanimously approved the ERSP initiative on April 13, 2012. “Through this action,” she said, “Council signaled its support for encouraging education researchers to serve the public good through use of their knowledge, skills, and savvy.”

The AERA website will serve as the information source and repository for ERSP projects, to disseminate information about these works, and to encourage others to pursue such projects in their own pro bono service.

The deadline for submission of ESRP proposals is December 1, 2012. The Call and Guidelines for submission is available on the AERA website at AERA ERSP.