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STR Program

Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR):
Council on Undergraduate Research’s Advocacy Program

November 2024 – March 2025
Online + Washington DC

STR Program Timeline and Details 

ACTIVITYDATE
Submission Window OpensJune 20, 2024
Submission Window ClosesSept. 20, 2024
Submission Notifications Sent & Registration OpensOct. 7, 2024
Registration ClosesNov. 4, 2024 
Online Training Session #1 & Orientation*
Getting Inspired, Setting Goals

The training introduces how research is used in policymaking
and what informs policymakers’ day-to-day decision-making.
The workshop emphasizes that there is no single way to be a
publicly engaged scholar and demonstrates the different roles
researchers can play in the policy arena. Participants will learn
more about their peers’ aspirations for policy impact. 
 
*Note: The 30-minute orientation includes introductions, a
program overview, and some pieces in which mentors and
students will be separated. 		Nov. 15, 2024
Online Training Session #2
Connecting and Building Relationships with Policymakers

This training will give scholars an introduction to when and
how policymakers use research and how researchers can
increase the likelihood their work is used in the policymaking
process. It also gives students evidence-based instructions for
how to begin and maintain productive relationships with
policymakers, how to engage with civic intermediaries in order
to better reach policymakers, and what strategies are critical
for creating mutual trust. 		Dec. 6, 2024
Online Training Session #3
Op-ed Writing and Pitching

This workshop is for students who want to learn how to write
and pitch compelling, research-based op-eds. Participants will
learn how to craft a good lede, incorporate timely news hooks,
signal the author’s relevant expertise, increase the likelihood of
publication, and structure an oped for maximum impact. They
will also be guided through shaping their idea into a first draft. 		Jan. 17, 2025
STR Hotel Cut-offFeb. 3, 2025
Online Training Session #4
Policy Brief Writing

This workshop is for scholars who want to learn how to write
compelling and jargon-free policy briefs. Participants move
through each step of the policy brief drafting process and
actively shape their ideas into a first draft. The workshop
includes practical information on how to distribute your policy
brief for maximum impact. 		Feb. 7, 2025
Onsite Training Session #5
Communicating Your Research on Capitol Hill & Media
Interviews and Building Relationships with Reporters

12:30-1:00 PM ET Arrivals + Badge Pick Up

1:00 – 4:45 PM ET Training
– Communicating Your Research on Capitol Hill

This will be an interactive workshop where participants will
gain the knowledge and tools to help them have the most
impactful and effective meetings with staff on the Hill. The
workshop will outline how Hill meetings typically go, give you
tips and strategies to maximize your effectiveness in them,
and the best practices for following up after the meeting. In
addition, we will have time to practice what you’d like to say in
the meeting.   

– Media Interviews & Building Relationships with Reporters

This workshop is for students who are looking to begin media
work and need advice on how to prepare for interviews and
build relationships with members of the media. Participants
will learn how to respond when a journalist calls, communicate
their research clearly, identify what reporters are looking for in
interviews, maintain media relationships, and build on any
previous media work.  

5:00 – 6:00 PM ET Networking Reception		March 2, 2025
STR: HIll Visits

8:30-10:00 AM ET Networking Breakfast with Association
Guests + Partners

10:30 – 3:00 PM ET Scheduled Meetings at Capitol Hill

3:00 PM ET Departures		March 3, 2025
STR: CUR Onsite Hill Briefing

This is an affiliated Activity but not exclusive to STR. STR
Participants can be in the audience if it fits with their schedule,
but it is not required. 		March 4, 2025
STR: Issue Badges and CertificatesMarch 5, 2025

Registration Rates for STR 2024-25*

Team of 2Team of 3Team of 4
Member$590$840$1,060
Nonmember$650$925$1,168

* Once accepted, registration and payment opens on October 7, 2024 and closes on November 4, 2024.

FAQs

For questions, event information, etc. please email CUR@CUR.org.
Please review our Events Policies and Procedures.

STR Graduates