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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Future Graduate Students

In order to maintain a diverse community, you must recruit a diverse community. We support several programs and activities to further our mission of building a more diverse and inclusive community at Penn State.

 

Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities.

Non-Penn State undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
  • Are a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Are enrolled in a degree-granting program at a college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory
  • Have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education by the time of the summer experience
  • Have at least one semester of undergraduate education remaining after completing the summer research experience
  • Have a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. 

Learn More About SROP

Penn State Graduate School Fall Open House

Junior and senior undergraduates from underrepresented communities that have strong academic records and research experience are invited to submit an application for our Graduate School Fall Open House. This program is intended for those interested in applying to graduate programs at the Penn State University Park campus.

Program highlights include:

  • Exploring research interests through individual meetings with potential research advisors
  • Academic program visits including a session with admission committee chairs
  • Information on University resources and the graduate education experience from Penn State faculty, staff, and students
  • Tours of campus and the State College community

Learn More About the Fall Open House

Fellowships and Scholarships

We offer a number of fellowship and scholarship opportunities to help recruit and support a graduate student population made up of diverse backgrounds and identities. Learn more about funding available to help support your Eberly experience.

Explore available opportunities

Named in honor of Mildred S. Bunton and Calvin H. Waller, the first-recorded African American alumna and alumnus of Penn State, Bunton-Waller is a merit-based assistantship given to students with strong academic and professional potential who bring diverse perspectives, identities, and interests to Penn State.

The graduate admission application serves as the Bunton-Waller Graduate Assistantship application. Applications will be evaluated on scholarly promise including quality of professional work or research experience, academic performance and potential as shown by transcripts, extracurricular and community activities to advance equity in science, leadership potential, and the candidate’s ability to add strong and unique value to the overall Penn State experience.

Bunton-Waller assistantships include five years guaranteed support of tuition, stipend, and subsidized health insurance, and are funded through a variety of support mechanisms, including research assistants or teaching assistantships.

The Graham Endowed Graduate Fellowship was created to assist in the recruitment of outstanding students considering enrolling at Penn State. The funds will provide supplementation awards to incoming students who have been given assistantships, departmental fellowships or who are recipients of external awards. Award offers are typically one year. No additional application is required beyond the Graduate Admissions application. 

The Science Achievement Graduate Fellows (SAGF) Program in the Eberly College of Science is designed to recruit, recognize, and promote outstanding graduate students seeking a doctoral degree in the sciences and mathematics. The Eberly College of Science is determined and committed to advancing women, who are underrepresented in the sciences and mathematics, to enable the full potential of humankind essential to solving the great global challenges. The science achievement graduate scholarships are named in honor of an outstanding woman scientist or mathematician who not only made groundbreaking discoveries, but also blazed the trail for others who have followed in their footsteps. These prestigious scholarships provide a high level of recognition to the awardees, which will continue throughout their careers.

SAGF is awarded each year to outstanding college graduates who have an interest in pursuing doctoral studies in one of the seven departments of the Eberly College of Science, with strong communication and leadership qualities, and who have a demonstrated interest in the advancement of women in the sciences and related fields. Holistic selection criteria are used to select a candidate with an emphasis on letters of recommendation, research experience, leadership potential, communication skills, an outstanding record of high achievement, initiative, and motivation. For eligibility, an additional interview is required.

The total SAGF support package includes five years guaranteed support of tuition, stipend, subsidized health insurance, and $3,000 per year for professional travel, purchase of computers, or other professional development needs and activities. At least one of five years will be offered as a true fellowship, while the remaining years will be funded through a variety of support mechanisms.

Want to see all of the resources offered to our current graduate students? Please click here.

 

Questions? Contact Dr. Aaron Mattingly Daniels, Director of Graduate Equity Programs, using the information below:

 

Contact Info

117 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
Telephone: 1-814-863-8900
aaron.mattingly@psu.edu

Woman of color in lab looking at a petri dish

We see tremendous value in maintaining a presence at a number of prominent national conferences, allowing us to connect with prospective students on a personal level. Visit our booth at one of the following conferences to learn more about the diverse community at the Eberly College of Science:

Connect with us around the globe.