Minority Fellows Program

Minority Fellows Program News

About the Program

The APSA Minority Fellows Program, which was established in 1969 as an effort to increase the number of minority scholars in the discipline, has designated more than 300 fellows and contributed to the successful completion of doctoral political science programs for over 70 individuals.  The Association has refocused and increased its efforts to assist minority students in completing their doctorates by concentrating not only on the recruitment of minorities, but also on the retention of these groups within the profession.

The Minority Fellows Program designates up to twelve stipend minority fellows each year. Additional applicants who do not receive funds from the Association may also be recognized and recommended for admission and financial support to graduate political science programs. Fellows with stipends receive a $4,000 fellowship that is disbursed in two $2,000 payments--one at the end of their first graduate year and one at the end of their second--provided that they remain in good academic standing. APSA can disclose some of the funds at the start of the academic year by request of the student. Awards are based on students' undergraduate course work, GPA, extracurricular activities, GRE scores, and recommendations from faculty.

Eligibility

The Minority Fellows program is designed primarily for minority students applying to enter a doctoral program in POLITICAL SCIENCE for the FIRST TIME.   Additional eligibility criteria include:

  • Applicants must be members of one of the following racial/ethnic minority groups: African Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos/as, and Native Americans (federal and state recognized tribes)
  • Applicants must demonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research in political science
  • Applicant must be a United States citizen at time of award
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need


Application

Note: the following information pertains to the previous application cycle, the deadline for which passed in October 2007.  New information will be posted here when the next application cycle opens.  Check back for updates.

By the Fall deadline, applicants must submit the following application materials:

  • Minority Fellows Program Application (.pdf)
  • A personal statement (maximum 500 words)
  • An official transcript
  • Three letters of recommendation from professors or others who can speak directly to your skills and knowledge of political science and potential for graduate study in political science
  • GRE scores  

Promotional Materials

Download an MFP flyer for students applying to begin doctoral programs in fall 2009:

   

Other Minority Scholar Programs & Resources