Center for Justice Research

Request for Proposal: Evaluation of Hidden Curriculum Programs

Proposal Due Date: January 31, 2026

Background

The Hidden Curriculum Program, launched in 2021 with support from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), was created to address the “hidden curriculum” of higher education—an informal system of unspoken expectations, professional norms, and insider knowledge that can deeply affect academic success.

The program supports doctoral students, postdocs, assistant professors and early career scholars from historically underrepresented backgrounds, providing access to mentorship, professional development workshops, and peer networking opportunities.

Purpose of the Evaluation

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the effectiveness, outcomes, and impact of the Hidden Curriculum Program and its pilot for years 2021 through 2025. The evaluation will (1) compare outcomes between four cohorts, (2) identify which program components most effectively support participant growth and engagement, (3) assess the program’s impact on key outcomes such as research productivity, grant submissions, publication rates, and participants’ confidence in navigating academia, and (4) provide evidence-based recommendations for future iterations and potential scalability.

Scope of Work

The selected evaluator will:

Audit program materials

Review the 2021-2025 program structures, participant demographics, and objectives.

Develop an evaluation plan

Outline methodology, instruments, and metrics aligned with program goals and equity principles.

Collect and analyze data

Use both quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document review.

Conduct comparative analysis

Assess outcomes between all cohorts, identifying patterns, differences, and lessons learned.

Report findings

Produce a comprehensive evaluation report summarizing findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.

Present results

Share key insights with program staff, funders, and institutional partners through a presentation or executive summary briefing.

Deliverables

The selected evaluator will produce the following:

Evaluation Plan (including logic model and instruments)

Progress Memo at midpoint

Final Evaluation Report (including comparative analysis and recommendations)

Executive Summary suitable for funder and stakeholder dissemination

Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate proven experience evaluating higher education or professional development programs, expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods, experience with equity-focused and culturally responsive evaluation approaches, strong data analysis and report-writing skills, and the ability to communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

Cover Letter - one (1) page introducing the applicant or organization

Statement of Understanding and Approach – two to three (2-3) pages describing how the evaluator will conduct the work

Work Plan - include timeline detailing major tasks and deliverables

Qualifications and Experience - relevant past evaluations and references

Budget and Justification - outline fees, estimated hours, and expenses

Evaluation Sample – submit a prior evaluation sample

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed and weighted based on the following categories:

35%

Clarity and relevance of evaluation approach

25%

Demonstrated experience and qualifications

25%

Feasibility of work plan and timeline

15%

Budget assess feasibility, program quality and value

Timeline

RFP released

December 22, 2025

Proposal submission deadline

January 31, 2026

Selection and notification

February 16, 2026

Evaluation start

March 1, 2026

Final report due

April 30, 2026

Submission Instructions

Submit proposals electronically (PDF format) to:

Dr. Jasmine Drake
Program Coordinator
Center for Justice Research justice.research@tsu.edu

Subject line: RFP Submission – Hidden Curriculum Program Evaluation

Questions

Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Jasmine Drake at justice.research@tsu.edu no later than February 11, 2026.