ERT + Students = Applied Learning
At ERT, we provide students hands-on learning experiences in community-based evaluation and research. We offer multiple types of project opportunities, for university students from all levels and from a variety of backgrounds.
Types of Opportunities
We welcome inquiries from students at Pitt and other universities about becoming involved with our work. Recent students have been enrolled in a range of departments at Pitt including the School of Education, the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Social Work, and the Graduate School of Public Health.
ERT student positions may include:
- Intern (Open positions will be posted with professors in eligible departments.)
- Volunteer
- Directed & Independent Study Credits (Please contact us before registering.)
- Student Employee (Open positions will be posted to Pitt's job board.)
- Graduate Assistant (Open positions will be posted with the School of Education.)
See below for currently available opportunities.
Sample Projects
Student project assignments are targeted to your program requirements, interests, and current ERT or related OCD project needs. Recent students have assisted with the following projects:
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Design and delivery of professional development trainings for PK-3rd grade teachers on making reading lessons more racially affirming
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Fundraising and distribution of books to schools and childcare centers with OCD’s annual book drive
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Coding children’s books for racially and culturally affirming identities
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Conducting literature searches and reviews on research related to early childhood education
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Producing a data matrix table to summarize the activities and results of a five-year federally funded study aimed at improving child and family outcomes in Allegheny County
Benefits for Students
ERT students work with staff who are experienced mentors in research, evaluation, and community-based work. In addition to project assignments, ERT students may also participate in team activities:
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Literature review sessions and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
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Project meetings with community partners
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Contributing to research knowledge and program development with an emphasis on social justice and racial equity
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Presenting at conferences, poster sessions, and program milestones or capstones
Students who are involved with OCD for at least a semester are eligible to apply for the OCD Student Fellows Program. This exciting opportunity gives students opportunities to connect with other OCD students, and includes:
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Invitations to OCD office-wide trainings, events, and celebrations
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Networking events with early childhood professionals from across the city and university as well as OCD Student Fellow alumni
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Priority application status for additional internal opportunities
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Access to OCD’s Social Justice and Equity Library
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Being featured on the office’s social media channels about your work with OCD
See OCD Student Stories
Currently Available Opportunities
Research Assistants:
- Summer or academic year
- Volunteer, apply for course credits, or apply for a fellowship in collaboration with another Pitt program such as the Frederick Honors College.
- Open to Pitt students with advisor/mentor approval. (Non-Pitt students are welcome to inquire with approval and coordination from their home institution.)
Recent Students
Helena Colbert, Student Assistant, graduated from Pitt with a BA in Politics and Philosophy. She is originally from Massachusetts, and her hobbies include reading and listening to podcasts. Outside of class, Helena is involved with Jumpstart, which is how she found out about OCD. At OCD, Helena is worked with the 3Rs Classroom Strand of The Pittsburgh Study (TPS) and the P.R.I.D.E. in Early Childhood Special Education study. She says, “It’s been incredible learning about the importance and transformative capacities of social justice and community-based research. I’m very inspired by the dedication that everyone at OCD has to their projects, the office, and each other. Thank you for welcoming me!”
Sarah Castleman, Graduate Student Assistant, (she/her) is a PhD student in the Language, Literacy and Culture program. Before coming to Pitt, she was a middle school English teacher for 12 years, and worked in a wide variety of school settings in Arkansas, Brooklyn, NY, and Pittsburgh. At OCD, Sarah worked with the 3Rs Classroom Strand of TPS. She says “I’m grateful to be part of such a great team, and to be working on a project that aligns so closely with my interest in the impact of professional development on adults’ readiness to implement social justice pedagogy.” Pre-COVID, Sarah could be found enjoying good coffeeshops like the Bureau or Ace Hotel. In COVID times, she has been enjoying more time with her husband and 1-year-old Eléanor.
Contact ERT
Contact us to learn more about student and volunteer opportunities.
Please describe your project interests and program requirements when you contact us.
Evaluation and Research Team
ocdert@pitt.edu