fellowship

The WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellowship is offered to faculty members and graduate students across multiple disciplines to work in collaboration with community experts in adult literacy and education to develop concrete community/university strategies that will improve the state of adult literacy in the region. Fellowship projects may include, but are not limited to: 

• Developing best practices in instruction and other learning supports
• Conducting relevant research in adult learning, multi-generational learning, and lifelong learning
• Developing curriculum and program materials in areas such as Health Literacy, Parent Literacy, English as a Second Language, and Digital Literacy.
• Demonstrating and providing instruction within the community
• Presenting workshops and providing training opportunities

The WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellowship will take place over one semester during the calendar year. Fellowship recipients will be required to attend the monthly WMU/KLC Advisory Board meeting and other relevant forums or community meetings that are associated with the approved scope of work. Fellows will complete projects in close collaboration with the WMU/KLC Advisory Board and KLC staff to address specific goals, objectives and strategies related to the approved scope of work. Fellows will be expected to disseminate their findings/results via final programs, proposals or processes as appropriate to the WMU/KLC Advisory Board and at the annual Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium.

In 2022, preference will be placed on supporting fellowship projects that impact multi-generational learning for the Parent Literacy Together program. This includes creating curricular materials and teaching strategies that deliver two-generational learning outcomes. Lessons and activities that crosswalk Adult Basic Education (including ESL)/GED preparation standards with early childhood education standards are required. Inclusion of approved SNAP Education curriculum is preferred to align with broader health literacy initiatives.

Application Process

The WMU/KLC Advisory Board is pleased to request applications for the WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellowship. All faculty and graduate students with relevant experience are invited to apply. Each fellow will receive either up to a $4,000 stipend or a course buyout, with the approval of appropriate dean and or department chair. 

Applications are due June 30, 2022. Please submit applications electronically as a single PDF to mevans@kalamazooliteracy.org. 

Applications must include:

• Cover Sheet—name, title, and unit 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Interest (2 pages maximum)—Please describe your interest in pursuing work as a WMU/KLC Community Literacy Fellowship recipient.
• Reference from a faculty member and/or community partner agency (a list of participating community partners will be provided.)