Over the past 30 years, the American Political Science Association’s Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) has inspired over 500 undergraduate students to pursue academic careers in political science by providing graduate-level coursework in research methodology, and racial and ethnic politics. Established in 1986 and originally called the APSA Summer Institute for Blacks in Political Science, the RBSI was a jointly sponsored program run by Southern University and Louisiana State University. Between 1988-1989, the program was renamed for Ralph J. Bunche, the first African American to earn a PhD in political science. Today, more than 70 RBSI Scholars have earned PhDs in political science with countless others pursuing advanced degrees.
Nearly $250,000 is currently required to cover the costs associated with RBSI each year. The costs include full summer session tuition, health insurance, transportation, on-campus room and board, books and instructional materials for 20 students annually. Students also receive a food allowance and a weekly stipend.
APSA’s priority is to fully fund the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute not only for this year or next year but for generations of students who will contribute a diverse collection of innovative ideas and approaches to the political science professoriate, as well as other academic and professional fields. APSA is contributing $1,250,000 to support this effort and is seeking another $1,250,000 in private funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations over the next three years. This coincides with the completion of the current NSF grant in 2019.
APSA invites you to join us in securing the future of the RBSI program by investing in the next generations of students and scholars. Many of you have benefited from the generosity of others in achieving your goals – now it’s your opportunity to help support the future generations of political science scholars, researchers, and professionals. Your financial gift is the enduring gift of education for those who follow in your footsteps. Visit the Ralph Bunche Fund website.