RFP for Research Brief on Employment and College Students with Disabilities

National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)

At the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Overview

The National Center on College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) at AHEAD publishes research briefs on topics related to college students with disabilities in the United States. The NCCSD is seeking proposals from professionals and researchers interested in developing a research brief related to employment and college students with disabilities. More information on possible content and focus of this brief are provided below. All NCCSD research briefs include:

  • an overview of research and other relevant published information on a focused topic;
  • research-based recommendations for researchers and administrators in higher education; and
  • recommendations for future research on the topic.

Examples of previously published NCCSD research briefs are available at the NCCSD website (

Proposals for this RFP are due April 16, 2018. Final research briefs are due September 1, 2018. Authors will be paid $500 for their work, upon completion of the final document.

Timelines for the Project

Deadlines for the project include the following:

  • Deadline for applications: April 16, 2018
  • Notification of award: April 30, 2018
  • First draft of research brief submitted to NCCSD: July 1, 2018
  • Editing andsecond draft submitted: August 1, 2018
  • Final document due: September 1, 2018

Who May Apply

We are seeking applicants who have completed graduate level educational training (doctoral level preferred),andhave a background and expertise in postsecondary disability. Preference will be given to applicants who have published in the area of postsecondary disability and have expertise or direct experience in employment and college students with disabilities. Doctoral students are welcome to apply.

Scope of Work

The NCCSD is interested in proposals that are research-based, introducing key employment-related topics to researchers and professionals. The funded proposal will have practical immediate potential applications while also broadly identifying areas for future research. Possible focus areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Research-based practices for increasing college-to-employment rates for college students with disabilities.
  • Current facts and trends in employment and college students with disabilities; this may include how the job search and employment may be affected by gender, type of disability, professional field, LGBTQ identification, and/or racial or ethnic background.
  • Current facts and trends in employment preparation and college students with disabilities, including access to and/or effectiveness of field-based placements, internships, externships, on-campus employment opportunities, and other campus-based experienced designed to prepare students for work.
  • Research-based practices for career counselors and other campus partners working with college students who have disabilities.
  • Research-based issues and recommendations for college students entering the current job market.
  • A review of research on the effectiveness of campus-community partnerships, such as linkages between colleges and businesses, colleges and non-profits, or colleges and governmental agencies at the local, state, or federal level.
  • A compendium of state, regional, national, and/or federal agencies and organizations working on employment of college students with disabilities, including groups that are able to provide technical assistance to higher education researchers, administrators, or college students and their families.

The final product is considered “work for hire” and will be the intellectual property of the NCCSD. It will be posted on the NCCSD online website ( and include acknowledgement of the author (see previously published briefs for examples).

Applications

Applications are due at5:00pm EST on April 16, 2018. If you have questions about this RFP, please contact Dr. Sally Scott at the NCCSD ().

Applications should include the following materials:

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested and what particular qualifications and perspectives you bring to the project.
  • CV or resume of the author(s).
  • One to three relevant examples of the author’s writing (this may be any type of publication including peer reviewed journal articles, research-to-practice briefs, or web page documents).
  • A one-page double-spaced description of the proposed research brief, which should include:
  • A proposed title of the research brief;
  • The proposed topic or focus of the research brief;
  • An explanation or topical outline of what the research brief would be likely to cover (please keep in mind that the target audiences are researchers in higher education and higher education administrators).

All materials may be submitted via email to Dr. Sally Scott (), who will send confirmation that they have been received.

The NCCSD at AHEAD is funded by a grant to the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) from the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education (P116D150005). This RFP is available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the NCCSD at