CONNECT FAQ for Community Organizers
Which organizations are eligible to apply to CONNECT?
Any community organization that is a 501(c)(3) is currently eligible to submit a project profile.
Can my organization participate in the CONNECT program more than once?
Definitely. In fact, many of the projects we help organizations to source take place in phases over more than one project cohort.
Which graduate programs do the CONNECT students come from?
The CONNECT program is open to any graduate student currently enrolled at The University of Texas at Dallas.
How does the matching process work?
- Organizations submit their project requests via an online form.
- CONNECT follows up with organizations to gain clarity on project goal and deliverables (if necessary), share important dates and logistical information, and provide the organization with their project fellowship estimate(s).
- Students tell us about themselves via a short, online form.
- Matches are then determined based on project requirements and students’ availability, skill set, experience, and interests.
- Organization notifications are sent out via email to all matched organizations. Organizations receive information on the student they have been matched to and have the choice to accept or deny their match.
- Official match notifications are then sent out to the students. CONNECT then begins coordinating the initial project kick-off meeting.
What required information will my organization submit through the online project profile form?
See the overview of information required to match your project with a student. Please note, we provide assistance to any organization that needs additional help with scoping their project.
Can my organization interview the student who is matched with our project?
Organizations do not have the opportunity to interview the student(s) that match with their project(s). To verify that CONNECT suggests the optimal match for your project, your organization is encouraged to include additional information (when asked to do so while completing the project profile form) regarding “non-negotiable” skills/qualities you would like your graduate student to have. When your organization is notified of its suggested student match, you will be provided with the graduate student’s resume and any applicable work samples to review prior to accepting or declining your match suggestion.
How much does it cost to participate in the CONNECT program?
CONNECT at UTD program does not charge a fee.
How can my organization support the CONNECT program?
The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences accepts gifts in support of the CONNECT program. Gifts to UTD are tax exempt under Section 170(c)(1). Gifts can be accepted online (with "Public and Nonprofit Management Program - CONNECT at UTD" listed in the second line and adding "CONNECT" in the notes).