Support Networking for Trainees at CDS 2024

The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise funds to host a networking event for trainees attending the Hidden Curriculum pre-conference during the upcoming meeting of the Cognitive Development Society.

Approximately 50 trainees are currently registered to attend the pre-conference, which takes place on March 21, 2024. A small number of senior mentors who are committed to demystifying the hidden curriculum and who are eager to connect with trainees will also be invited to attend this networking event.

Below, we share more details about the pre-conference, our anticipated use of funds, and our plan for transparency throughout the fundraising process.

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Title: Demystifying the hidden curriculum: Addressing and removing barriers experienced by early career scholars

Co-organizers: Tissyana Camacho (California State University, Northridge) and Margaret Echelbarger (Stony Brook University)

Pre-conference Summary: The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten, unspoken, and unofficial knowledge and skills that individuals need to succeed in academia (Calcaro, 2020). This pre-conference provides a space for early career scholars to come together to engage and network, and talk candidly about the hidden curriculum. We also welcome mentors who want to support early career mentees, gain insight into the hidden curriculum, and learn how to remove barriers faced by early career scholars. This pre-conference will be organized into four panels and comprise two speakers each. These panels and speakers include: 1) Mentorship and Networking (Drs. Judith Danovitch and Amber Williams), 2) Planning and Goal Setting (Drs. Deon Benton and Melissa Koenig), 3) Navigating the Academic and Non-Academic Job Markets (Drs. Belem López and Shaylene Nancekivell), and 4) Ensuring Balance (Doctoral students Norwood Glaspie and LeNisha Williams).

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We have set our target fundraising goal based on the expected costs of renting a room and providing light refreshments either at a hotel associated with the conference or a local venue within walking distance of the conference center. We have not yet finalized the location because we first need the funds to secure a space.

*****We will need to secure a location sooner rather than later. Thus, our goal is to secure $2,500 by the first week of March.*****

Following the event, an email will be shared with those who donate to provide full transparency regarding costs. This email will also include an impact summary, highlighting the number of attendees and the programming that took place during the networking event. If you decide to donate anonymously and would like to receive this email, please reach out to Tissyana and Margaret separately at letstalkgradschool at gmail dot com (this step is not needed if not donating anonymously).

Should more funds be raised than needed, donations will be made in equal parts to the following organizations:

1) YWCA Glendale and Pasadena: an organization dedicated to elminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

2) Kidspace Children’s Museum: an educational and cultural institution committed to serving the needs and interests of children and families in Pasadena.

3) Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena: an organization committed to education and youth development by identifying and removing barriers to learning for children through afterschool education enrichment efforts.

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If you have any questions regarding the pre-conference or this fundraiser, please feel free to reach out to Tissyana and Margaret at letstalkgradschool at gmail dot com.