In 2009, APSA celebrated 40 years of the American Political Science Minority Fellows Program (MFP) success! The MFP was established in 1969 (originally as the Black Graduate Fellowship) in efforts to increase the number of minority scholars in the discipline. To mark this occasion, MFP Alumni and former APSA Staff members who worked with the program gathered at the 2009 Annual Meeting for a Roundtable entitled: "The 40th Anniversary of the APSA Minority Fellowship Program: Promoting Scholarship and Diversity" and for a 40th Anniversary Reception.
Since 1969, the APSA Minority Fellowship has designated more than 500 Fellows, both funded and unfunded, and contributed to the completion of doctoral political science programs for over 100 individuals. The Association has refocused and increased efforts to assist minority students in completing their doctorates by concentrating not only on minority recruitment, but also assisting with the retention of these groups within the profession.
The APSA 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 disburse some of the funds at the start of the academic year by request of the student. Awards are based on students' undergraduate or graduate course work, GPA, personal statement and resume, extracurricular activities, GRE scores, personal and recommendations from faculty.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
The APSA Minority Fellows program is designed primarily for minority students applying to enter a doctoral program in political science. 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 be college/university seniors, college/university graduates, or students currently enrolled in a Master’s Program applying for doctoral study at another political science program/institution
- 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