A Nonprofit Research Institute

Expanding Access to Research and Academic Opportunity

ConnectEd Research Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity by supporting access to research mentorship, scholarly training, and academic pathways for dedicated and talented students worldwide.

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01 · Mission

Our Mission

ConnectEd Research Institute creates opportunities for talented students who aspire to advance society through research. Our fellowship helps capable students—particularly first-generation students, women, and other underrepresented groups—connect with faculty-led research environments, academic mentors, and scholarly networks where they can build powerful academic and professional careers.

The Institute was established to connect these students with research mentors, faculty-led projects, and scholarly communities where they can build lasting academic foundations. Through fellowship programs, mentorship models, and institutional partnerships, the Institute works to expand access to meaningful academic experiences that support long-term intellectual and professional development.

02 · What We Do

What We Do

01

Expand access to faculty-led research environments

02

Support structured, mentored academic experiences

03

Strengthen research skills and scholarly preparation

04

Build connections between students, researchers, and institutions

05

Provide financial support that makes participation possible for all fellows

03 · Fellowship

Research Fellowship Program

The ConnectEd Research Fellowship supports selected fellows in participating in mentored research experiences under the guidance of faculty advisors at leading research institutions.

The program is designed to reduce barriers to research access and to support the development of future scholars across disciplines.

Learn More
A student reading and taking notes at a desk
04 · Impact

Real scholars. Real research. Real outcomes.

120+ Scholars Matched Into mentored research positions across partner institutions.
40 Faculty Advisors Committed to long-form, structured mentorship — not drop-in sessions.
92% Completion Rate Fellows finishing structured placements with defined deliverables.
14 Partner Universities Hosting fellows inside working research groups — not around them.
A research fellow reviewing work with their faculty advisor
05 · In Their Words
ConnectEd was the first place where my questions no longer felt out of place — and where I met the first mentor who treated them as real research.
A. Okafor Young Scholars Fellow, 2024 · Cognitive Science
06 · Approach

Institutional Approach

Application-Based

Programs are open to motivated applicants and filled through a competitive review process designed to identify genuine fit between students and research environments.

Structured Oversight

Each engagement includes explicit responsibilities, regular communication expectations, and program-level oversight to ensure both accountability and quality.

Institutionally Aligned

Program design respects faculty autonomy and institutional norms, with fellows integrated into real research groups rather than parallel or simulated structures.

Ethics-First

Academic integrity, research ethics, and professional conduct are foundational — not aspirational — elements of every program ConnectEd administers.

Papers and pen on a wooden table
07 · Support

Support the
Fellowship.

Philanthropic support enables the Institute to expand access to research opportunities and to support fellows who may not otherwise be able to participate.

Donate
100% of donations go directly to fellowship support
Access for scholars who wouldn't otherwise reach research environments
Impact felt across institutions, disciplines, and career trajectories
In academic partnership with
Research Commons Northbridge Academy Helix Institute Foxwood University Linden Research Lab Atlas Scholars Council