Project #4: The Impact of Peer Mentor Training on Undergraduate Students’ Civicmindedness

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project is part of an action research initiative on an experiential learning undergraduate course that connects students with college students who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The primary focus of the project is to understand the impact of a peer mentor training course.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project examines the impact of a peer mentor training course based on experiential learning on undergraduate students’ civic-mindedness and disability awareness. Data collection has already been completed. The selected UM Scholar’s focus will be on analyzing qualitative (written responses) and quantitative data (surveys). The UM Scholar will be responsible for attending meetings, discussing approaches to data analysis, and carrying out the analytic work (especially for acquiring reliability of analysis).

By the end of the project, students will collaborate on drafting and submitting a research proposal to an international conference based on their findings.

The main goals of the project are to:

• Apply a mixed methods approach to explore the research question.
• Participate in drafting a research proposal for an international conference.

The UM Scholar will participate in weekly Zoom meetings to learn about methodological approaches and apply those skills to data analysis. At the end of each week, the UM Scholar will check in with the mentor to share progress, give feedback, and ask questions. Continuous training and guidance will be provided throughout the project.

If funding is available and the proposal is accepted, supporting student attendance at the conference would be a valuable opportunity.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

This project is ideal for a student interested in learning about peer mentor approaches and those who are familiar with qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Though prior knowledge is preferred, students will be exposed to a range of methodologies through hands-on activities throughout the project.

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

Students from UMB’s School of Graduate Studies, School of Medicine, School of Dentistry.

PROJECT LOCATION

This project will be conducted in hybrid format – mostly remote and in-person once a month. Faculty mentor and student will coordinate to meet once a month at the Benjamin Building on UMCP’s campus.

 PROJECT LEAD/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Yewon Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
College of Education
Department of Counseling, Higher Education, Special Education

BIO: Yewon Lee, PhD

EMAIL ADDRESS: ylee137@umd.edu

More than one student will be considered for this project.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

• 10 weeks/400-hour student research project conducted with schedule mutually defined and agreed upon by the student and mentor.
• The project is funded by the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State (MPower) and is a part of the UM Scholars program.
• The selected student will receive a stipend for their work, to be paid in multiple installments over the 10 weeks.
  • $5,500 for undergraduate students
  • $6,500 for graduate students
• Work is expected to occur during typical business hours; Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
• To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in the Fall 2026 semester.
• Traveling to and from UMCP, as well as parking, is the responsibility of the student and costs are included in the stipend.