ConnectEd’s community initiatives bring learners into conversation with researchers, faculty members, and doctoral students. Through workshops, panels, and sustained mentoring, we make space for questions about research, doctoral study, and academic life.
Focused learning and discussion that help participants understand academic pathways and prepare for their next steps. Our past programming has included webinars related to doctoral applications and academic development.
Explore Workshops & PanelsProfessors and researchers share the experiences and choices that shaped their academic journeys. Past conversations have included faculty affiliated with University of California campuses and other U.S. universities.
Explore Academic ConversationsPast initiative | 2025
A multi-month nonprofit mentoring initiative for prospective doctoral applicants, combining webinars, faculty and doctoral-student mentorship, one-to-one application feedback, and mentor interviews.
Read About the 2025 ProgramCommunity learning offers something different from a formal course: access to experience, space to ask questions, and a clearer understanding of possible academic paths.
These initiatives complement ConnectEd’s structured research programs without requiring everyone to follow the same route.
Ask about future community learning opportunities or share an idea for a workshop or conversation.