Building Research Skills & Social Impact: Gain Real-World Experience with the Raising Canada Project

Open
Children First Canada
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Founder & CEO
(5)
4
Project
Academic experience
60 hours of work total
Learner
Canada
Advanced level

Project scope

Categories
Data analysis Project management Community engagement Public health Scientific research
Skills
research community-based participatory research cross-functional collaboration collaborative communications presentations project scoping innovation
Details

Project Description: Supporting the Raising Canada Research Project

Welcome to Children First Canada! We are thrilled to present an exciting opportunity for students to contribute to our impactful Raising Canada research project. This project is designed to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by children in Canada, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in children's lives.


Main Goal: The project aims to gather and analyze data to identify the top 10 threats to children in Canada, ultimately contributing to a research report that will help influence policies and initiatives supporting children's rights. The goal is for students to engage with real-world research processes, gain experience in data handling, and build essential communication and research skills. Students will complete this project within a manageable timeframe of 60 hours between March 17 - May 9, with a maximum of 10 hours a day or 30 hours per week. 

Deliverables

Project Scope and Expectations: Students will assist Children First Canada in several key tasks, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis, while collaborating with a team of experts. Students will also be responsible for presenting their findings and making recommendations for actionable change based on their research.


Company Overview: At Children First Canada, we are committed to making Canada the best place for kids to grow up. Through advocacy, research, and community collaboration, we address critical issues affecting children's well-being. By participating in this project, students will gain insights into our work, values, and the importance of child advocacy.


Project Details:

  1. Task 1: Literature Review
  2. Students will conduct literature reviews on key threats to children’s health, education, safety, and well-being. They will use the latest research to compile information on these issues and identify knowledge gaps that can be addressed in the Raising Canada report.
  3. Task 2: Data Collection and Analysis
  4. Students will support the collection of data through surveys, interviews, and analyzing existing research. They will apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze trends and provide insights into the challenges children face.
  5. Task 3: Report Contributions
  6. Students will help draft sections of the research report, summarizing findings and offering recommendations for actionable steps. They will also contribute to the development of policy suggestions that address key threats to children in Canada.


Final Deliverables:

  1. Literature Review Summary
  2. Students will submit a comprehensive literature review summary, including key findings and analysis of existing research.
  3. Data Collection and Analysis Report
  4. A report detailing the collected data, including analysis, visualizations (charts, graphs), and interpretations of trends.
  5. Research Report Contributions
  6. A written document with a contribution to the final Raising Canada research report, summarizing findings and providing recommendations.


For students: To validate the completion of your work, please submit deliverables as uploaded files with a reflection note at the end of your project. These files can take various formats, including Word documents, PDFs, JPEG images, presentations, and more.


Benefits for Students:

  • Skills Developed: Research skills, data analysis, report writing, teamwork, and communication.
  • Exposure to Industry-Relevant Challenges: Students will gain firsthand experience working on a national research project that influences policies affecting children.
  • Networking Opportunities: Students will have the chance to connect with professionals in the non-profit, research, and advocacy sectors.


By working on this project, students will develop essential skills in research and advocacy, contributing to a significant cause while gaining valuable experience for future career opportunities.

Mentorship
Domain expertise and knowledge

Providing specialized, in-depth knowledge and general industry insights for a comprehensive understanding.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

Sharing knowledge in specific technical skills, techniques, methodologies required for the project.

Hands-on support

Direct involvement in project tasks, offering guidance, and demonstrating techniques.

Tools and/or resources

Providing access to necessary tools, software, and resources required for project completion.

Regular meetings

Scheduled check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback.

Supported causes

The global challenges this project addresses, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more about all 17 SDGs here.

Good health and well-being

About the company

Company
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
2 - 10 employees
Non-profit, philanthropic & civil society
Representation
Women-Owned Social Enterprise Public benefit corporation (pbc) Community-Focused

Children First Canada is a national charity that aspires to create a country where children can grow up free from the barriers that prevent them from achieving their full potential – starting with the protection of their most basic rights to childhood. As a charity that’s uniquely focused on the rights of children in Canada, we aim to raise awareness of the issues, equip young Canadians as the leaders of today and tomorrow, and unite our country around a shared vision and plan to make this the best place in the world for kids to grow up.