ELeVATE FAQ

Q: Who do I contact for additional information? 

A: Contact Josh Marino at josh.marino@pitt.edu.

Q: What is needed to apply?

A: Applicants must complete an on-line application and provide a copy of their resume and personal statement.  One (1) letter of recommendation must be e-mailed to josh.marino@pitt.edu.

Q: Who is eligible to apply to the ELeVATE program?

A: Applicants must have some experience in the military. If you are currently on active duty, provisions may be made for you to participate. We will work with participants on a case by case basis.

Q: How many people do you expect to apply and how many will you accept?

A: We are planning to accept 5 students into the program.

Q: When is the deadline to apply? When will I know if I have been accepted?

A: The application deadline is April 23, 2021, and we will begin to notify candidates of their acceptance on April 26.

Q: I have a bachelor's degree and I am interested in obtaining a graduate degree. Can I participate in ELeVATE?

A: Absolutely! Our program is housed in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. We are well connected to all programs within the school (prosthetics and orthotics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physicians assistant, emergency medicine, etc.) and within the university as a whole (business, law, medicine, nursing, public health, information technology etc.).

Q: I think an Associate's Degree is for me. What do you have available for me?

A: Two-year technical degrees are some of the fastest growing credentials. We fully understand that participants are eager to get into the work force and a two-year degree may be the best option. Programs such as "Robotics Technician" at the Community College of Allegheny County are associated with our program. To the best of our ability, we will tailor your research experience to include technical skills which will help you succeed in your chosen program. 

Q: What kind of background (or interests) is required for the ELeVATE program?

A: No particular background is required. Some examples of past participants' academic backgrounds AND interests include: all domains of engineering, computer science, rehabilitation science, other health sciences, exercise physiology, psychology, and biology.

Q: How are students matched with a faculty member and research?

A: Faculty members propose research projects in assistive technology design, development, and assessment. The tentative projects page contains last year's student intern profiles and projects to give you an idea of what the research projects will be like for ELeVATE program. Project descriptions will be listed by the end of December. At that time, applicants will have the option to rank the projects according to their interest. A selection committee (faculty, ELeVATE coordinator, and grad students) then reviews the applications and chooses a participant based on their past experiences in the military, accomplishments, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Participants are matched with the project which we feel is best related to their academic/research interests.

Q: What are the program dates?

A: The research portion of the program (Phase I) runs from May 17th - July 22nd, 2021.  Phase II begins when participants enroll in at least two courses or return to the home institution in the fall.  Phase III entails the balance of their two or four-year degree program of study.  Mentoring/veteran support will be provided in all phases of ELeVATE.

Q: I understand the research portion (Phase I) of the program, but what happens after that? What do I receive?

A: You will be all set to transition in to a college program. You'll have a fun, paid position for ten weeks which will prepare you to begin classes in the fall. If you want to transfer to a college closer to home for you, that is certainly fine. We will set you up with a colleague or alumni in your area and continue to monitor your progress. 

Q: Does the program provide housing?

A: The program does not provide housing. Participants receive a stipend which they may use to cover the cost of housing during the 10-week summer portion of ELeVATE.

Q: I received an offer of admission. What do I need to do?
A:  
Once you have accepted the offer, you will need to complete new hire paperwork and online training modules required by the University of Pittsburgh and the VA. 

ELeVATE is funded through the generous support of HERL's EngagePitt campaign and the Disabled Veterans National Trust Fund.

 

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