SCEC-DR crowdfunding campaign aims to advance graduate student research at UNC Charlotte
For graduate students at UNC Charlotte, conducting meaningful research often requires more than time and dedication. The Student Council for Exceptional Children – Division for Research (SCEC-DR) is working to bridge that gap through a $2,000 crowdfunding campaign to provide essential resources and financial support for student-led educational research by Friday, Nov. 6.
Founded to create a dedicated community for graduate students engaged in educational research, SCEC-DR provides opportunities for professional development, academic collaboration and financial assistance.
As the only student organization at UNC Charlotte specifically focused on educational research, SCEC-DR connects graduate students with resources that help them navigate the challenges of conducting research and sharing their findings.
“I was inspired to help establish this organization to bridge a gap on campus, and create a dedicated student organization of support, resources and community for graduate students engaged in educational research at UNC Charlotte,” said Leigh Anne Baker, the club’s founding member and past president.
Funding the future of educational research
Every dollar raised from their crowdfunding campaign will directly support graduate students conducting educational research, helping cover expenses such as research materials, participant incentives and conference presentation materials.
By reducing out-of-pocket costs, the campaign aims to make research opportunities more accessible and allow students to focus on advancing their projects.
The organization has already raised $1,063 toward its $2,000 goal, bringing it more than halfway to its fundraising target.
“Hitting our goal establishes a sustainable financial foundation for SCEC-DR,” said Baker. “It ensures that future cohorts of graduate students have support for out-of-pocket costs.”
For Kailey Galloway-Mays, treasurer of SCEC-DR, the campaign is an opportunity to reduce financial barriers and invest in the next generation of researchers.
“These funds will help provide resources for graduate students conducting quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research,” said Galloway-Mays. “We hope to reduce some of the financial barriers associated with conducting and sharing research.”
Creating opportunities beyond the classroom
Since its establishment, SCEC-DR has worked to connect graduate students with academic and professional opportunities that can be difficult to access independently.
Through the organization, members can explore travel funding opportunities through the Graduate and Professional Student Government, participate in professional development workshops and strengthen essential research skills.
From poster design and conference presentations to structured academic writing groups, SCEC-DR provides resources that help students develop as researchers and emerging professionals.
One of its newest initiatives is the SCEC-DR Research Fund, which will provide annual grant opportunities for graduate students across the Cato College of Education. Through the fund, students will be able to apply for financial support to advance their research projects.
For Baker and Galloway-Mays, one of the most rewarding accomplishments was securing official recognition for the organization through the Student Government Association.
“Seeing a vision built from scratch become an officially recognized organization for graduate students engaged in educational research made all the hard work worth it,” said Baker.
Building a community of researchers
Beyond financial assistance and professional development, SCEC-DR provides graduate students with a network of peers who share a passion for educational research.
The organization encourages collaboration across academic cohorts, departments and the broader university community, helping students build meaningful connections while strengthening their leadership and communication skills.
As SCEC-DR continues to grow, its members hope to expand fundraising efforts and increase support for student-led research initiatives.
“I hope people recognize the importance of supporting graduate student research,” said Galloway-Mays. “Many of us are conducting research that can directly impact students, educators, families and communities.”
Support SCEC-DR’s crowdfunding campaign by Friday, Nov. 6, and help UNC Charlotte graduate students turn their research into impact. Learn more about crowdfunding and check out other groups at crowdfund.charlotte.edu.
Written by: Lily Warlick