NATIONAL LATINO RESEARCH CENTER
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS
Opportunities for Research Assistantships
About the NLRC
The National Latino Research Center (NLRC) is committed to contributing to the knowledge and
understanding of rapidly growing U.S. Latino populations through applied research, training,
technical assistance, research-based services, and information exchange.
The NLRC envisions a diverse, just, and equitable
society that provides a healthy environment
through universal quality healthcare, education,
technology, and political representation.
Specializing in applied research, the NLRC brings
together key stakeholders from the community,
government, NGO sector, and private industry to
identify solutions and develop strategies to
address local and regional challenges.
Civic
Engagement
Education
Research
Teaching
Service
Community
The NLRC conducts research and training in the
Health
Improvement
areas of education, civic engagement, cultural
competency, health, environmental issues, public
policy, and community development. In addition
to research projects, the NLRC provides technical assistance to a range of organizations and
actively supports multi-agency collaborations that seek to leverage resources and expertise.
Research Assistantship Opportunities
The National Latino Research Center engages students in research-based projects through
internships, assistantships, and leadership trainings to enhance their educational and research
expertise. Students working with NLRC’s research teams provide qualitative and quantitative
research support in areas such as survey collection, data entry and preliminary data analysis,
literature reviews, assistance in coordination of focus groups, and event planning.
NLRC offers opportunities to college students (undergraduate and graduate) to develop
research abilities in participatory action research, improve communication and written skills,
and develop a better understanding of the needs of local communities.
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NATIONAL LATINO RESEARCH CENTER
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS
Eligibility Criteria
The purpose of the application process is to assess students’ interests and needs in conducting
and learning social science research, determine student’s qualifications, identify project
availability, and ensure appropriate placement. To apply for an NLRC Research Assistantship or
for more information, please contact Ana M. Ardón, Researcher, at (760) 750-3505 or
aardon@csusm.edu.
Each student interested in applying for a research assistantship (paid or unpaid) at the NLRC is
encouraged must fulfill the eligibility criteria in order to be considered for a position.
1. Currently enrolled at a four-year university or community college. If in high school,
student must be enrolled in a local school and be in either 11th or 12th grade and must
obtain written permission from parent (NLRC provides permission form).
2. Be in good academic standing (2.5 GPA or above).
3. Have an interest or be pursuing a degree in a social and behavioral science such as
Anthropology, Chicano/Latino Studies, Communication, Ethnic Studies, History, Political
Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women’s Studies) with an emphasis on research or
field work related to U.S. Latino communities.
4. Have an interest in or basic knowledge of qualitative/quantitative research methods.
5. Bilingual students preferred, but not required.
Application & Placement Process
Step 1: Student contacts NLRC (email preferred) to notify interest in position. Please include in
your email your name, major, reasons for interest, course information (if applicable), research
background, and attach a résumé, a copy of academic transcript, and course syllabus. Send
information no later than two weeks before the end of the semester or during the first two
weeks of the semester in which the internship is planned to be conducted.
Step 2: NLRC reviews student’s information to determine eligibility and availability of projects.
Step 3: Once eligibility and availability have been established, NLRC schedules an interview with
student and NLRC Team to discuss placement guidelines.
Step 4: Student accepted for an internship/assistantship is required to attend an Orientation
Training to provide an introduction to projects, complete required forms, and discuss
responsibilities.
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