Join a community-engaged scholarship project

The Stakeholder Engaged Scholarship Unit (SESU) is seeking EOIs from academic and professional staff with relevant research experience to participate in the design and delivery of partner-initiated, mission-focused scholarship projects.

EOIs will close on Tuesday 31 May 2022 at 5pm AEST.

About the SESU

The SESU activates community-engaged scholarship and research projects proposed by external agencies, particularly non-profit organisations (Catholic and secular) to meet their needs. Our projects support communities facing disadvantage and aim to produce social, economic and/or cultural benefits.

Who can apply?

Academic staff, as well as professional staff with relevant research experience across all Faculties, Research Institutes, and Institutes. You will need to have a continuing or fixed-term contract of more than six months.

Why should I apply?

You will have the opportunity to work closely with a partner organisation on a project for 12–18 months. It’s a unique chance to share expertise, co-design the research together and work collaboratively to deliver a project that will have a direct impact for the community it serves.

Don’t just take our word for it! Hear from two academics about their experience with the SESU:



You will be compensated for your work through an adequate workload allocation on the project (for academic staff).

Which projects can I apply for?

This year there are three projects you can nominate yourself for:

CatholicCare Sydney’s project evaluates their HOPE program, a long-term program working with vulnerable young mothers (16–25 years) with a child under two (or who are pregnant) and who were identified as having complex needs.

CatholicCare Victoria and St John of God Health Care’s project evaluates their Asylum Seeker Support Program (ASSP), which provides transitional accommodation and support to families and individuals seeking asylum in Victoria.

Edmund Rice Education Australia’s (EREA)’s project focusses on their 22 designated special assistance schools that provide alternative education settings to traditional or ‘mainstream’ schools and cater for young people who are living with significant social, emotional, or behavioural issues. The project seeks to understand the schools’ religious identity, especially the elements that make them Catholic.

Find out more about this year’s projects 

How do I apply?

Read about the application process and download the EOI form

Questions should be directed to sesu@acu.edu.au.