PEREZ RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
The Perez Research Fellowship is a one-year stipended fellowship for social science graduate students and professionals of color who want to learn about and contribute to the field of applied research and consulting through collaboration on BRG client projects, consultant-related trainings, and mentorship from BRG staff.
*People with lived experience of incarceration, homelessness, housing instability, mental health or substance use disorders, poverty, reliance on public benefits, or other social issues are encouraged to apply.
The application period for the 2026
Perez Research Fellowship has ended.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Black, Latino, or other people of color from ethnic groups underrepresented in the field of applied research who are either of the following:
Currently enrolled in a graduate program
in the field of public health, public policy, social work, criminal justice, or other social science field and want to learn about career opportunities outside of academia
Working in an internal evaluation or management role within a nonprofit organization
and have been recommended by their employer to participate
About the Perez Research Fellowship
Established in honor of our founder’s mother, Dora Perez, fellows receive training in research methodologies, participate in research projects, build their professional networks, and enjoy the opportunity to learn from a leading community-centered research and design firm. Programming includes:
Quarterly Half-Day Trainings
Senior staff provide training in core applied research methods, fundamental consulting skills, and BRG’s approach to advancing systems change with our clients. Trainings take place as a full group and provide opportunities for relationship building amongst the cohort of PRFs as well as with the BRG team.
Collaboration on BRG Client Projects
PRFs collaborate on projects that BRG is advancing with current clients—from government agencies to nonprofits to philanthropic organizations. Fellows receive orientation and training specific to the client/project, and support with:
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- Facilitating focus groups, interviews and breakout group discussions
- Writing surveys and analyzing responses
- Conducting literature reviews
- Participating in collaborative data analysis with BRG staff
- Writing brief case studies, summaries of key takeaways and PowerPoints
Monthly 1:1 Mentorship Sessions
PRFs are paired with a senior staff mentor, providing an opportunity for deeper relationship building and support. Mentors meet with PRFs one-on-one to provide:
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- Strategic thought partnership on work that PRFs are advancing outside of the fellowship (i.e. thesis/dissertation, side passion projects, or work-related projects)
- Feedback and guidance on BRG project-based work
- Mentorship around career exposure/opportunities, network building, and relationship brokering
SELECT PROJECTS THAT FELLOWS HAVE SUPPORTED:
Alameda County HealthPATH
PRFs supported the evaluation of a work-based learning internship for transitional-age youth of color to gain marketable skills for the healthcare workforce. PRFs conducted program observations, interviews with youth and staff, and developed PPT slides with key findings.
Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY)
PRFs facilitated breakout groups for a convening of ~80 people from nonprofit organizations that receive funding from OFCY to inform the OFCY community needs assessment and strategic plan.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
PRFs conducted interviews and focus groups with community coalition leaders working to advance health equity to learn about their strategies, challenges and successes, and opportunities for RWJF to align supports with community needs. PRFs contributed to collaborative analysis and writing community case profiles.
FELLOWSHIP REQUIRMENTS & BENEFITS
ELIGIBILITY
Self-identify as Black, Latino, or other person of color from an ethnic group under-represented in the field of applied research and:
Currently enrolled in a graduate program in the field of public health, public policy, social work, criminal justice, or other social science field and want to learn about career opportunities outside of academia
OR
Working in an internal evaluation and learning role or management role within a nonprofit organization and have been recommended by their employer
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & TIME COMMITMENT
- The anticipated time commitment is 10-15 hrs/mo.
- Fellows must reside in or near the Bay Area and have availability to complete fellowship activities in person in Oakland during business hours Monday-Thursday. These activities will include:
- Quarterly Half-Day Trainings
- Collaboration on BRG Client Projects
- Monthly One-Hour Mentorship Sessions
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION
- Participate in trainings covering applied research methods, equitable evaluation, and approaches to systems change
- Expand networks and access to professional mentors, and learn about careers in applied research
- Learn about the work of a cutting edge consulting firm and work directly with BRG clients on applied research projects
- $6,000 total stipend, in monthly disbursements throughout the 2026 fellowship period
KEY DATES
Up to 3 fellows will be selected for the 2026 fellowship year.
- Application Open: Jan 6
- Application Deadline: Feb 13, 5pm Pacific Time
- Rolling Interviews: Jan – Feb
- Selection Notification: Feb 27
- Fellowship Program Period: Mar – Dec 2026
ABOUT BRIGHT RESEARCH GROUP
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2010 by Brightstar Ohlson, Bright Research Group (BRG) is a community-centered research, evaluation, design, and capacity building firm based in Oakland, CA. Our mission is to support public systems and social impact efforts to respond to the needs, preferences, behaviors, strengths, and voices of consumers and communities. BRG is a women of color owned and operated firm, and we hold a specific organizational commitment to advancing social equity for Black, Latino, immigrant, and low-income communities.
WHAT WE DO
- Elevate the voices, lived experience, preferences, and choices of people of color through participatory action research and qualitative evaluation methods;
- Build system and funder-understanding of and empathy for people of color through consumer research;
- Make the case for consumer and community-driven initiatives, programs and movements through quantitative and qualitative evaluation and advocacy;
- Build the capacity of systems to integrate people with lived experience into their social change efforts and workforces; and
- Build the capacity of people of color- and consumer-led organizations to define their practices and programs, achieve greater organizational sustainability, and become more outcome- driven.
PEREZ RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP