Undergraduate Research Assistantship - Creative Writing

Serve as an undergraduate research assistant on the project: Creative Writing for Civic Engagement

The English department received a grant from the Modern Language Association of America (MLA) to continue the mutual aid project that we piloted in AY 2025-2026 to bring K-12th grade students to the Pace Art Gallery for creative writing workshops led by our college students, in partnership with the nonprofit arts organization, Cosmic Writers. The community-based research we are conducting on the impact of creative writing for civic engagement in K-12 students will be extended in Year 2 to investigate the contributions to workforce development for undergraduate students who participate in creative writing study and instruction (as workshop leaders to K-12 students on our fieldtrips).

The research assistant will:

• Train as a writing workshop instructor using curriculum developed by Cosmic Writers as well as the Pace Art Gallery.
• Observe and assist with our "creative writing campus fieldtrips" on Fridays (6 trips per semester, estimated)
• Assist in designing and administering surveys to collect qualitative data from participating K-12 teachers and students about reading and writing "for fun" (as the National Assessment of Educational Progress terms it)
• Analyze survey data and assist with writing the final project report for the grant funders (due May 2027)
• You must have Work Study funding added to your awards BEFORE applying for this position. You are potentially eligible for Work Study if you are a US Citizen or permanent resident, have filed a FAFSA, are enrolled in at least 6 credits, and are in good academic standing.

This position requires the following:

• Must be Work Study eligible
• Organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills to be applied towards designing and implementing surveys for K-12 and college students
• A passion for writing, plus generosity and enthusiasm towards fellow writers (of all ages!)
• Familiarity with Excel, Forms, Qualtrix, and presentation software, or a willingness to learn
• Must be available on select Fridays between 10am-3pm when writing workshops are scheduled on campus

Instructions to find your Work Study eligibility status:

• Log into your MyPacePortal and click on "Student Home" and then the "Financial Aid" box (middle of screen).
• Once in Financial Aid, select the "Award Offer" tab and the correct Award Year.
• Scroll down to "Options to Pay Net Cost" and take a screenshot of the funds that are allocated specifically to Work Study for the academic year. Make sure your name is captured in the screenshot, then upload the screenshot, and submit it along with your application.
• If these details are not available in the "Award Offer" section of your profile, you are NOT currently eligible for Work Study funding. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, and you have filed a FAFSA, you can open a Help Desk ticket with Financial Aid to determine your Work Study eligibility.

Exact schedule to be determined with the supervisor. The student will work 5-8 hours per week, with hours distributed weekly to ensure regular paychecks throughout the academic year 2026-2027.

About the Institution

Ranked in the top 9% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse students-academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. Currently, the University enrolls more than 13,000 students in more than 150 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Pace University is at the forefront of creating opportunity. Through the convergence of strong academics, experiential learning, and dedicated advising, Pace University empowers its students and positively impacts its communities.

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