PROGRAM DESCRIPTION | SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (YOUTH SPORTS TRANSPORTATION STUDY)

Project Lifelong (PL) is a community-based organization focused on improving outcomes for youth through innovative programming, cross-sector partnerships, and systems-level change. PL works closely with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to address barriers impacting youth development, including access to safe and equitable opportunities.

 

FELLOWSHIP SUMMARY

The Summer Research Fellow will support a research initiative examining transportation systems for youth participating in nonprofit and youth sports organizations locally and throughout the state of California. This fellowship is designed for students in Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields who are interested in applied policy research, systems analysis, and equity in youth development.

 

The fellow will work closely with PL leadership to collect, organize, and analyze data related to transportation practices, insurance structures, and access barriers. The goal of this work is to generate insights that can inform program development, stakeholder engagement, and future research efforts.

 

As part of this effort, the fellow will support research to help identify transportation as a critical, and often overlooked, barrier to equitable youth sports participation. By aggregating real-world data from nonprofit and youth sports organizations, the intern will help position Project Lifelong to develop informed insights, data points, and potential research questions that could contribute to broader statewide conversations and future survey efforts. This work will help build the case for transportation access, including safe and insured movement of minors, as a key component of inclusion, affordability, and participation.

 

 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPETENCIES

• Policy Analysis and Research Methods: Gain experience conducting applied research using qualitative and quantitative approaches

• Public Systems and Governance: Develop understanding of how policies and systems impact youth-serving organizations

• Equity and Public Service: Explore how barriers such as transportation affect access to youth sports and programs

• Data Analysis and Program Evaluation: Learn how to organize, interpret, and present data to support decision-making

• Professional Communication: Build skills in stakeholder engagement and presenting findings in a clear and effective manner

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Data Collection

• Identify and compile a database of nonprofit and youth sports organizations across California

• Conduct outreach to organizations to collect information on:

o Transportation practices for minors

o Number and types of vehicles used

o Insurance coverage, including commercial auto and hired/non-owned auto

o Annual insurance costs and risk management practices

• Review relevant legislation and policy frameworks, including CA AB749

Policy and Systems Analysis

• Explore how transportation infrastructure, insurance requirements, and organizational capacity impact youth access to programs

• Identify system-level challenges and opportunities affecting nonprofit and youth sports providers

• Examine transportation as a factor influencing equity, access, and participation

Data Management and Analysis

• Organize collected data into a structured database and/or spreadsheet

• Assist in identifying trends, patterns, and key insights

• Compare findings across organization types, regions, and populations served

Reporting and Insights

• Prepare regular summaries of research findings for PL staff

• Contribute to a final report outlining key insights and recommendations

• Help translate research into clear, actionable information for internal and external use

• Support development of materials that may inform broader research efforts, including potential statewide surveys

Survey and Research Tool Development

• Assist in drafting and refining survey questions related to transportation practices and policy considerations

• Support development of data collection tools and processes

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in the MPPA program at CSUS

• Demonstrated interest in research, analysis, and problem-solving, with a willingness to learn and develop these skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

• Ability to manage tasks independently and meet deadlines

• Interest in youth development, nonprofits, or public policy

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NOT REQUIRED)

• Coursework in public policy, research methods, or program evaluation

• Experience with data analysis or survey design

• Interest in nonprofit systems, youth sports, or education policy

• Experience conducting outreach, interviews, or stakeholder engagement

 

SUPERVISION AND EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE

• Fellow will receive regular supervision and mentorship from Project Lifelong staff

• Opportunities for feedback, reflection, and professional development

• Fellowship may be aligned with academic requirements

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work environment including remote and in-person collaboration as needed

• Opportunity to engage with nonprofit leaders and community stakeholders

• Combination of independent research and team-based work

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Statement of Interest (around 500 words) describing your experience with public policy or local government.

• Writing Sample (i.e., research paper with source citations and/or data analysis)

• Transcript

 

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning. 

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery . 

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento International Students holding an F-1 visa are eligible to apply.

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.