The Lightstand Project has opened applications for the August 2026 cohort of the Community-Engaged Scholars Program (CESP). This facilitator-led online program supports high school, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as adult learners and early career researchers, who are developing work connected to real communities. Participants bring projects already in progress, such as capstones, individualized studies, theses, and dissertations, grounded in community-engaged research, and develop that work over a 12-week period within a structured cohort.
CESP is a 12-week online cohort experience where participants receive facilitator-led support from scholars with doctoral degrees as they think through and develop their work.During the program, you use readings, resources, and guided activities and apply what you are learning directly to your own work. You’re not working on your own—you’re working alongside others with the same focus. The program is primarily self-paced, with independent work between sessions, peer engagement through online discussion, scheduled live sessions, and facilitator-led support through discussion and feedback.
Many students try to develop ideas or projects in isolation, without a consistent way to stay engaged with them. In this program, you meet regularly with the same group of participants and return to your work each week with a clear focus. Facilitators help you think through your work and decide what to focus on next, while you learn from how others approach their own ideas.
Participants:
- bring their own research, writing, or project into the program
- develop work connected to real-world contexts
- work alongside the same group over the course of the cohort
- receive facilitator-led support focused on organizing and strengthening their work
August 2026 Cohort Details
- Application deadline: June 30, 2026
- Decision notifications: July 6, 2026
- Cohort begins: August 3, 2026
Participation is offered at no cost to participants as part of the Lightstand Project’s community-based work. Cohort size is limited, with participants grouped by academic level.
Apply
Individuals interested in participating in the August 2026 cohort can learn more and apply through the Lightstand Project website.
About The Lightstand Project
The Lightstand Project supports people, organizations, and communities working in real-world settings. Its work includes programs, professional services, and publications.
