Connecting for social impact
Summer 2026 project submissions for organizations are now open and student applications will open April 20-May 9.
"Our CONNECT Fellow was excellent to work with. The product deliverable will be used and built upon for many years to come for this important project.”
- Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network
The Challenge
Nonprofits are on the front lines of addressing complex social issues—but often face limited time, capacity and resources to fully leverage research, data and insights. CONNECT supports nonprofits in tackling these challenges to:
Better understand their clients, communities, and programs
Generate actionable insights to inform decision-making
Strengthen and demonstrate their social impact
Outputs & Outcomes
405
Projects
234
Unique Organizations
96%
Satisfaction Rate
$4.1M
of Project Deliverables
Project Categories
Projects may draw from qualitative, quantitative, design, policy, humanities or mixed-methods approaches.
Measurement Strategy
Defining programmatic outcomes, identifying measurable indicators, and developing evaluation frameworks.
Data collection & tool development
Developing or improving strategy and design methods for collecting and tracking program success.
Data interpretation & Analysis
Analyzing results over time and interpreting or communicating them to various stakeholders.
Advanced Analytics
Beyond basic data analysis.
Project Spotlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility and Application
Who can apply to the CONNECT Program?
The CONNECT Program is open to any graduate student currently enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin and to community organizations with a research, data, or program evaluation challenge. Organizations do not need to be based in Texas.
What’s the difference between a CONNECT Fellow and an intern?
CONNECT Fellows collaborate with organizations as a consultant, contributing insights and recommendations through a structured project (typically 12-16 weeks, sometimes spanning multiple semesters). Fellows receive a $2,000 award for their acceptance into the CONNECT program.
Interns are embedded staff members, often performing a range of tasks with regular guidance from their organization. Internships are frequently connected to students’ career goals and may offer academic credit, though compensation varies.
When can I apply for the CONNECT Program?
CONNECT aligns with UT Austin’s academic schedule, offering Fall, Spring, and Summer cohorts. Application deadlines vary:
Graduate Students:
- Summer 2026: April 20 – May 9
Organizations:
- Summer 2026: March 9 – April 15
Matching and Project Engagement
How does the matching process work?
Organizations submit project requests.
Graduate Students fill out a profile form.
Matching is based on project requirements and student availability, skills and interests.
Notifications: Contingency notifications are sent to students, followed by organization notifications with student profiles.
Confirmation: Once both parties accept, CONNECT coordinates the project kick-off.
Can organizations participate multiple times?
Yes, organizations may submit multiple or phased projects over different cohorts.
Can my organization interview our matched CONNECT Fellow?
Organizations do not have the opportunity to interview the CONNECT Fellow(s) matched with their project(s). However, organizations receive the Fellow’s profile and resume to review. Please specify “non-negotiable” skills in your project description to ensure a suitable match.
Typical Project Structure
What does a typical CONNECT project look like?
Projects typically span 3-4 months, with fellows dedicating around 10 flexible hours per week. Most projects are remote, though specific engagement details can be found in the project library.
Can I fulfill an internship requirement through CONNECT?
Graduate students are responsible for obtaining approval from their advisors if they wish to use a CONNECT project to fulfill academic requirements.
Will I work alone or with a partner?
Most projects are designed for one student, though occasional projects may allow for two students as a team.
Does CONNECT participation affect student employment opportunities?
No, participation is voluntary, and the fellowship award for acceptance into the CONNECT program is considered taxable income, which may affect financial aid. Additional tax considerations are available.
Funding and Fees
Is this a funded opportunity for students?
Yes, each CONNECT Fellow receives a $2,000 fellowship award for acceptance into the CONNECT program. Note that financial aid and tuition loans may affect fellowship disbursements.
What is the cost for organizations to participate?
Organizations matched with a CONNECT Fellow pay a program fee to support fellowships and operational costs. Fees vary:
Nonprofits:
Under $500K budget: $2,000
$500K - $2M budget: $4,000
Over $2M budget: $6,000
For-profit organizations are charged $5,000–$10,000.
How does my organization pay the fee?
Invoices are sent to the organization payable by check.
If you have questions or concerns about fees and funding, please contact Meg Sweeny, meg.sweeny@utexas.edu.
Additional Information and Engagement
How can organizations engage more with UT Austin graduate students?
CONNECT is part of the Office of Career & Life Design at the UT Austin Graduate School. For deeper collaboration, contact Meg Sweeny.
Student Fellow FAQs
Community Organization FAQs
CONNECT Impact Reports
Our Approach
CONNECT brings together social impact organizations and skilled graduate students to strengthen organizational capacity and advance real-world impact. Through a thoughtful intake process, CONNECT partners with nonprofits to identify meaningful organizational needs, recruits graduate students from The University of Texas at Austin whose skills and interests align, and provides fellowships to support student participation. A structured matching process and ongoing project support ensure strong partnerships and high-quality, actionable outcomes that benefit organizations, students and the broader social impact ecosystem.
Our Funders
Michael and Susan Dell Foundation
Bill Wood Foundation
St. David's Foundation
Ready to Apply?
I'm a graduate student with data skills.
Let's connect your data skills with an organization that needs your help.
My organization has a data challenge.
We can get you the help you need to solve your data challenge.