The application period is now closed. To register for the reception at the Civil Rights Museum, please click here.

Overview

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Connections: Increasing Diversity of RWJF Programming is pleased to collaborate with the Brothers of the Academy for the 2008 Think Tank for African American Progress in Memphis, Tennessee. The collaboration is designed to increase the visibility and enhance the skill sets of New Connections grantees and potential applicants. New Connections' vision is to create a network of support for grantees, alumni, and applicants through its networking, mentoring, and training events. The New Connections program is designed to expand the diversity of perspectives that inform RWJF programming and introduce new researchers and scholars to the Foundation, while simultaneously helping to meet staff needs for data analysis that measures progress towards program objectives.

In collaboration with Brothers of the Academy, RWJF New Connections will host a reception for all Think Tank participants on Friday, October 3, 2008 from 6-9 p.m. at the National Civil Rights Museum. New Connections will also sponsor the participation of 5 Junior Investigators to attend the Think Tank.

Eligibility for Travel Stipends

Junior Investigatorsare individuals who received their doctorate within the last seven years. Investigators must be from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities, which includes individuals from ethnic or racial minorities, low-income communities, first-generation college graduates, or others who historically have been underrepresented in research disciplines supported by RWJF. Preference will be given to participants from HBCUs.

Reimbursement

RWJF New Connections will reimburse 5 Think Tank Junior Investigators up to $500 to cover travel, lodging, and registration costs associated with attendance. The early-bird registration rate of $275 will be honored for those that are accepted. Costs must be incurred between July 28, 2008-October 4, 2008.

How to Apply and Register

To register for the Think Tank for African American Progress, please click here. To apply for a New Connections stipend for the 2008 Think Tank for African American Progress you must complete the application form and upload your CV by Monday, August 25th.

To register for the New Connections sponsored reception in the Civil Rights Museum in conjunction with the Think Tank for African American Progress, please click here.

For questions about the application or for more information about the New Connections: Increasing Diversity of RWJF Programming, please contact program staff:

E-mail: rwjf-newconnections@rwjf.org
Phone: (609) 627-5770

Dates to Remember

• Monday, August 4, 2008- Application period opens.

• Monday, August 25, 2008 (5 p.m. ET) – Application deadline.

• Friday, September 12, 2008– Applicants will be notified of their acceptance.