10 Fellowships for Underrepresented Groups: Addressing Equity and Diversity in Academia

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The provision of fellowship opportunities can help address the gap in access to quality education. Education is important and an agent of change as it seeks to transform individuals in society. It seeks to improve knowledge, skill confidence, and intellectual ability. Unfortunately, some restrictions often prevent students from accessing higher knowledge hence the inclusion of equity and diversity in academia. However, in recent times, organizations and universities are beginning to put measures in place to enhance inclusion, equity, and diversity in academia by removing the barriers to doctoral education, addressing the challenges, and providing workable solutions to the problem. In this light, we’d explore available scholarship opportunities open to underrepresented groups to address the issue of equity and diversity in academia.   Do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. 

Read also: 10 Fellowships That Contribute To Policy And Advocacy Work

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10 Fellowships for Underrepresented Groups: Addressing Equity and Diversity in Academia

Below is a list of fellowship opportunities open to underrepresented groups aimed at addressing equity and diversity in Academia: 

1. Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs

The Ford Foundation fellowships seek to increase the diversity (ethnic and racial) of colleges and universities in the United States. The program identifies and connects emerging leaders from across the globe who are advancing innovative ideas and solutions to combat inequality. It also supported them to work better, faster, and deeper.

Benefits: Successful applicants will receive a stipend that amounts to a $25,000 stipend.

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.

2. Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship(US Citizens)

Also, the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship is targeted at providing valuable research training, faculty mentorship, and financial support for undergraduate students who desire to pursue a postgraduate degree, and whose intellectual and social commitments embody those of the late Dr. Benjamin Mays. Note that it is only open to US citizens and permanent residents. Dr Benjamin E. Mays was a scholar of religion and He earned a doctorate at the UChicago Divinity School in 1935. Additionally, he was also one of the many who mentored Martin Luther King, Jr.

Benefits: Successful candidates will receive a stipend that sums up to about $10,000, mentorship, and networking, among other benefits. 

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.

3. AAUW American Fellowships

Additionally, the AAUW American Fellowships is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, USA. It is a fully funded fellowship open to students from all around the world. However, only students pursuing their graduate and post-graduate degrees at the university can apply. 

Benefits: The benefits of the fellowship and the categories are seen below:

  • Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000
  • Doctoral: $25,000
  • Postdoctoral: $50,000

Additionally, International Fellowship funds are available for educational expenses, living expenses, dependent child care, and travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars, as long as it does not exceed 10 percent of the fellowship.

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.

Read also: 10 Fellowships For Journalism Professionals    

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)

Also, the Chevening Scholarships which is funded by the government of the United Kingdom is open to international students who want to study at universities in the UK. Students who have leadership potential, and a strong academic background, are ambitious, and are willing to pursue a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom can apply. 

Benefits offered: Payment of tuition fees, living expenses, payment of return flight to the UK, access to networking events, workshops, talks, internships, and volunteering opportunities. 

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

5. GEM Fellowship (for underrepresented minorities in STEM) US citizens

Furthermore, the GEM Fellowship Program provides scholars the opportunity to pursue their post-graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the United States. The initiative focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion by enabling underrepresented students to have access to develop their professional profiles and excel in their academic and research pursuits. 

Benefits: The benefits of the GEM Fellowship Program USA include 

  • Financial Support: Scholars receive generous financial assistance, to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
  • Industry Connections: Networking opportunities with industry leaders provide access to internships, job placements, and mentorship.
  • Mentorship and Development: Experienced mentors guide scholars and workshops enhance essential skills.
  • Diverse Community: Engage with a diverse group of peers, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.
  • Access to Resources: Scholars have access to research facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge technologies.

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.

6. DAAD scholarships 

The DAAD scholarship is open to international students who want to pursue their postgraduate degrees in Germany. The scholarship aims to promote networking and increase the knowledge and efficiency of the recipients. 

Benefits: Some of the benefits of the scholarships include:

  • A monthly stipend of 934 euros
  • Travel allowance
  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation fees among other benefits

Application criteria: To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the application criteria, click here

7. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship

The Rangel International Affairs Fellowship seeks to empower students from underrepresented groups allowing them to pursue their dreams in the academic fields. Additionally, after graduating from school Rangel Fellows are required to serve at least five years in the Foreign Service.

Benefits:  Selected fellows are qualified to get $35,000 annually to help cover the costs of tuition and stipend.  Additionally, they are given a stipend during their internships and have other costs such as transportation paid for among other benefits. 

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.

Read also: 10 Fellowships Supporting Social Entrepreneurship And Community Engagement

8.  Rotary Peace Fellowship 

Every year, the Rotary Peace Fellowship sponsors 90 peace and development leaders from around the globe to pursue a Professional Development Certificate Program or master’s Degree Program related to peace and conflict resolution and prevention at one of the participating peace centers around the world (USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Uganda).

Benefits offered: The fellowship covers tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

9. Humphrey Fellowship Program 

In addition, young professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through the exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues that are of common concern in the US and their home countries can apply for the Humphrey Fellowship Program. It is also open to young professionals in Africa, South and Central Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere

Benefits offered: The fellowship covers tuition, allowance, one-time settling-in allowance, accident coverage, book allowance, and others. 

Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

10. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

In addition, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan for students from developing Commonwealth countries is funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development. Students from eligible countries can apply for it to fund their master’s degree. However, they must be willing to study in the UK. 

Benefits offered: Some of the benefits the scholarship offers include payment of flight tickets, tuition fees, examination fees, and monthly stipends among others. 

Application criteria: To know more about the requirements, click here.

Read also: 10 Fellowships That Support Career Development And Advancement

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  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.