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Advancing Representation in Research Administration Program

Published on Nov 03, 2021 · Last Updated 5 days 17 hours ago
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The ARRA program will not be accepting applications for summer 2024. We anticipate that the program will accept applications again for summer 2025.

The Advancing Representation in Research Administration (ARRA) Program introduces diverse undergraduate students and recent graduates to exciting and rewarding careers in research administration. The program provides practical training within various areas of research administration at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Program Overview

ARRA is a full-time, summer-long immersive work experience. The program runs from Wednesday, May 31 to Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Interns will receive a $5,000 stipend for their participation in the program.

Administrative Experience

  • Train full-time under the direct supervision of a mentor responsible for a specific area of research administration within CHOP's Research Institute
  • Complete an independent project in one of several available areas of research administration
  • Practice communicating your experience and present to administrators and other interns
  • Shadow leaders in various divisions of research administration

Professional Development

  • Attend workshops with all ARRA interns and participating administrators
  • Complete an Individual Development Plan to maximize program experience
  • Conduct three or more informational interviews for educational and career advice
  • Take part in social and educational programming with fellow students and researchers throughout CHOP
  • Attend leadership meetings

Formal Training

  • Mentoring in research administration
  • Participate in skill-building workshops related to topics such as project management, strategic planning, and more

Eligibility

Application to the Advancing Representation in Research Administration Program is open to all who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Full-time sophomore, junior, or senior graduating in the Spring (Please Note: Freshman / first year students are not eligible to apply)
  • Currently enrolled full-time in a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university at the time of application
  • Participating in a relevant area of undergraduate study (such as science, technology, engineering, math, business, finance, health administration, etc.). Undeclared majors are also welcomed to apply.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA
  • Interested in learning about and/or pursuing an administrative career
  • Eligible to work in the United States

If accepted to the program, participants must be able to be present on campus in Philadelphia, PA for an in-person orientation and weekly workshops.

ARRA is committed to diversity and encourages applications from students of all backgrounds; particularly those from underrepresented minority groups, disadvantaged backgrounds, and/or with disabilities.

Areas of Focus

Research Administration provides operational, financial, training, technical, and compliance support and guidance to researchers at the CHOP Research Institute. These centralized and committed administrative resources help study teams to successfully navigate the research policy landscape and manage their projects’ life cycles with transparency and governance. To learn more about the various divisions within the Research Institute, visit the CHOP Research Institute Research Administration website.

Below are participating divisions for summer 2023:

  • Office of Faculty Development
    Create a new training program to support CHOP investigators that will lead the charge in advancing health in pediatric populations.
  • Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
    Evaluate new and innovative scientific discoveries, the first step in bringing CHOP researchers’ novel ideas to pediatric patients and families around the world.
  • Office of Technology Transfer
    Assist CHOP researchers, clinicians, and staff in the transfer of technology from the bench to the bedside by identifying novel discoveries and protecting them in ways that deliver the greatest and most impactful value to the healthcare system.
  • Research Project Management Office
    Streamline processes and maximize critical efforts within one of the largest pediatric research programs in the country.
  • Pre-Award Research Administration
    Responsible for all central pre-award administration functions and committed to providing a high level of service to the faculty and the research community throughout the life cycle of funding.

Apply

Applications will open in late December 2022. The application deadline is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Select candidates will be invited to an interview with program administrators and internship mentors. Final decisions will be announced no later than April 15, 2023.

Required application materials include:

  1. Completed application form
  2. A letter of recommendation (candidates may submit a second letter of recommendation if they would like)

Important: On the application form, you will be prompted to enter the name and contact information of a reference who can speak to your strengths. Prior to beginning your application, you should alert your recommender(s) that they will receive an email request to submit their letter of recommendation. The deadline for recommendations is the same as the application deadline.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have questions, please contact atop@chop.edu.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is committed to supporting as many pathways to careers in science, technology, education, math and medicine (STEM-M) as possible. The Research Institute hosts several internship, training, and outreach programs that provide opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to explore diverse and rewarding scientific careers. Learn more in this video highlighting our summer 2023 participants.

My school year overlaps with the program dates. Am I eligible for the program?

Unfortunately, ARRA start and end dates are fixed. Students must attend orientation on May 31 and train full time until the program ends on August 9, 2023. Participation in all ARRA events are required. Admissions staff reserve the right to reject any application due to missing any portion of the program.

While it is my first semester on campus taking classes, the amount of credits I have earned is equivalent to that of a college sophomore. Am I eligible for ARRA?

No. Eligible students are required to have completed at least one full year at their college or university.

If you are uncertain about your eligibility please contact us at atop@chop.edu before applying. Ineligible applications will not be reviewed.

How are transcripts submitted?

Transcripts must be uploaded into your application per the instructions on the application form. We cannot accept transcripts via fax, email, or regular mail. Please work with your school's Registrar and IT departments directly if you are unsure how to upload these documents.

When applying, are students required to provide an official transcript or is an unofficial one acceptable?

You can upload your unofficial transcript if you do not have your official one.

I have attended classes at more than one undergraduate institution. Which transcript should I include with my application?

Please include your most complete transcript which provides the most comprehensive review of the classes you have taken. If you are invited to interview, you may be required to provide additional transcripts.

Can I submit a reference on behalf of my professor or professional contact?

No, references must be submitted by identified recommender(s). Any recommendations submitted on behalf of a reference will not be accepted.

How does the selection process work?

Your complete application will be reviewed by ARRA administrators and internship mentors. Applicants will be notified via email if selected for an interview. Selected candidates will complete interviews with ARRA administrators and internship mentors. Formal offers will be extended in April. Notifications will also be sent to those not selected for this year's program.

Can I pick the administrative group I would like to work with?

Applicants should review the participating administrative department websites and their potential projects and rank the areas they are interested in working with over the summer. Please note, you will be placed with only one of the areas you select.

If I'm not accepted, can I apply again next year?

We encourage all students to re-apply, if eligible.

Do I need clearances to participate in ARRA?

Yes, if selected to participate in the program, credentialing and obtaining clearances will be part of onboarding. Please note that COVID-19 vaccination is required on site at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

What are the start and end dates of the ARRA program? Are the program dates flexible?

Students must attend orientation on May 31, 2023 and train full time until the program ends on August 9, 2023. ARRA start and end dates are fixed and participation in all ARRA events is required. Admissions staff reserve the right to reject any application due to missing any portion of the program.

How many hours per week would I be required to train?

ARRA is meant to be a full-time experience. Students are expected to train for 35-40 hours per week.

Will I be able to continue training with my administrative group after my participation in ARRA ends?

A student may continue to train with their mentor following completion of the program at the mentor's discretion. Not all administrative groups will have the room or funds available to hire additional personnel.

Are housing and travel provided?

We do not provide housing or travel.