Social Justice Faculty Externship

Purpose

To deepen understanding of and address equity and social justice in our community, the program provides reciprocal learning between a Buffalo State faculty member and a Western New York non-profit organization. Stipends provided to the organization and faculty member will result in 1) investigation of connections between a discipline and historic and current structures and systems that impact underrepresented groups, 2) a faculty project to impact the issues through and support the community organization’s efforts to address inequity, and 3) curricular revision to bring the faculty experience into the classroom and impact Buffalo State student learning.

Eligibility

• Full-time Buffalo State faculty members from all Buffalo State disciplines who will be able to complete program responsibilities in the summer following application are eligible to apply. Applicants will identify a Buffalo area community organization through the application process, with support from the Civic and Community Engagement and Equity and Diversity offices. Community organization partners who work to address inequity, racial justice, and other forms of systemic oppression are potential partners, if available for collaboration. Example organizations might include Open Buffalo, Say Yes Boys and Men of Color, MOCHA Center, or Kirby’s Corner.
• Faculty who want to deepen their understanding of social justice work in our community, as well as how their discipline connects with efforts to address inequity, are encouraged to apply. The experience can and will positively inform and benefit teaching, research, and other scholarship, both short-term and long-term. 

Application

Applications for summer 2024 participation are due February 7, 2024. 

The application will be reviewed by the selection committee consisting of the Chief Diversity Officer, Civic and Community Engagement Director, a previous externship participant, and the donor(s) if they choose to participate.

Finalists for each scholarship will be interviewed by the committee. The decision on the recipient of each faculty externship will rest with a consensus of the selection committee. If no candidate meets all terms set forth in the criteria for either scholarship, the scholarship will not be presented.

Payment

Through the generous gift of an anonymous donor, the faculty member and organization partner will each receive a $1,000 stipend disbursed in two payments: $450 when faculty begins working with the organization and $450 after the report and presentation are conducted. Additionally, $200 will be made available, if needed, to the partnership for supplies, materials, etc. If supplies and materials are not needed, the remaining funds can be divided between the faculty and community organization stipends.