National Deadline: January 8, 2019
Purpose
The Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships Program (formerly Pre-doctoral Fellowships for Minorities Program) aims to increase the presence of underrepresented minorities on the nation's college and university faculties by offering pre-doctoral fellowships to members of the six minority groups most severely underrepresented in U.S. academia. The goal is to help outstanding students achieve their full potential as scholars and subsequently inspire others to follow academic careers in teaching and research.
Programs Funded
The program supports up to three years of advanced study leading to Ph.D. or Sc.D. degrees at any U.S. accredited institution in the following fields: behavioral and social sciences, humanities, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences and biological sciences, and for interdisciplinary programs comprised of two or more eligible disciplines. Awards are not made for work leading to terminal master's degrees, doctorates in education or fine arts, or professional degrees in fields such as education, medicine, law, social work, performing arts, or business. There is an annual stipend or an award to the institution in lieu of tuition and fees.
Eligibility
The program invites applications from seniors and currently enrolled graduate students who are either citizens of the U.S., nationals, permanent residents, or have DACA status and who are members of one of the following groups: Alaska Native (Eskimo or Aleut), American Indians, African Americans, Mexican Americans/Chicanas/Chicanos, Native Pacific Islanders (Polynesian or Micronesian), and Puerto Ricans.
Monetary Award/Benefits/Tenure
The Pre-doctoral Fellowship carries an annual stipend of $24,000. Support is typically granted for three years, with second- and third-year renewals contingent on certification of satisfactory academic progress.
Selection Criteria
Winners have demonstrated superior scholarship and great promise for future achievement as scholars, researchers, and teachers in institutions of higher education.
Application Process
The Ford Foundation Fellowship Program is administered by the National Research Council. Applications are due December 13, and additional materials on January 8, 2019. GRE General Test scores are required; the test should be taken no later than December. Students and alumni do not have to apply through Pomona, but we are happy to give advice on the application process.
Official Ford Foundation Website