In 2016, APSA celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI). At the APSA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, and again at a special celebration dinner in Washington, DC, we heard over and over about the enduring importance and long-term impact of this program.
We are incredibly proud that over 600 students have attended the RBSI over time, and over 20 percent of students are completing or have completed their PhDs. It has one of the largest impacts for programs of this kind.
You know how important it is for APSA to support diversity and inclusion in the discipline. Every year up to 20 rising seniors are selected to participate in this program which provides exposure to the benefits of postgraduate education and the chance to explore the possibilities for their own future.
The RBSI is currently supported by Duke University and APSA. Additionally, we are very fortunate that the National Science Foundation has funded the RBSI, with funding guaranteed through 2021. But we must be ready to support the long-term programming future through other means.