Summer Internship in Demography for Undergraduate Students at the Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, RI
Demography – often called population studies – is the study of a broad range of issues affecting human populations. The Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) is an internationally renowned interdisciplinary demographic research and graduate training center at Brown University. It brings together faculty and graduate students who have interests in population studies.
In cooperation with the Leadership Alliance, the PSTC at Brown University participates in the Summer Research – Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), a nine-week summer program that provides qualified students from underrepresented groups with the opportunity to complete a summer internship in demography with support from the Leadership Alliance and the PSTC. In addition to the internship opportunity, students are provided with a stipend, travel expenses, and lodging in a university dormitory. Participants also attend The Leadership Alliance National Symposium, where they have an opportunity to present research before faculty and peers.
What kinds of topics do demographers at the PSTC work on?
Traditionally, demographers have worked on topics such as fertility, mortality, and migration. The scope of research at the PSTC encompasses these more conventional areas as well as a much broader range of issues, including environmental change, health (including living with disability and studies of nutrition), gender, family structure, schooling, segregation, and the consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
What kind of projects will students participating in the Summer Internship in Demography be involved with?
Students will work closely with faculty members and graduate student research assistants on existing research projects. This may include assistance organizing and analyzing survey and census data, preparing new surveys, and critically reviewing existing literature. It might also include working with qualitative data from interviews and other sources.
What is Providence, RI like?
Providence is a progressive and diverse small city with great food, art, music, and other cultural activities. Rhode Island boasts both vibrant urban neighborhoods and serene seaside landscapes, all within an hour’s drive. It is considerably more affordable than nearby cities including Boston and New York, but offers many similar attractions. Brown University is located in an historic area of Providence with many beautiful buildings. The campus is a short walk from downtown Providence. Restaurants and cultural venues are easily accessible.
Who is eligible to apply for the internship program?
Undergraduate students who are in good academic standing (GPA ≥ 3.0), have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of undergraduate education, are interested in pursuing graduate study, and who are documented U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply.
The internship program is principally designed for students from traditionally underrepresented and underserved groups.
Please note that the internship program is not designed for students pursuing non-academic careers in law, business administration, clinical medicine, clinical psychology or the allied health professions.
How do I find out more about the Summer Internship in Demography at Brown University?
If you would like to find out more information about the summer internship in demography, please contact the PSTC at Population_Studies@brown.edu. Please also visit the Leadership Alliance’s internship website for more information about program eligibility and the application process.
Please note that all summer demography interns must apply through the Summer Research-Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), which is organized under the auspices of the Leadership Alliance (www.theleadershipalliance.org). Brown University is one of 19 institutions participating in this program.
We thank you for your interest!