The Phillips Academy Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) addresses the lack of diversity in the nation's teaching faculties by recruiting outstanding students of color and other scholars committed to diversity, counseling them through the graduate school application process, and advocating for sufficient funding for advanced study. Since 1990, the IRT has built a national consortium of colleges and universities that are eager to enroll IRT students to diversify their graduate student bodies and to expand the pipeline of educators to teach, counsel, and administrate in American schools, colleges, and universities. IRT urges its students to earn their advanced degrees and teaching credentials before they launch their educational careers.
From early September through mid-November, all participants receive the following support throughout the graduate school application process at no charge, which include:
- Individualized support and extensive counseling as you choose graduate programs and apply to a renowned consortium of graduate schools across the country
- Application fee waivers
- Assistance in fine-tuning statements of purpose, resumes, and writing samples
- Approximately two months and $1000 saved on completing at least 10 applications
- Invitation to participate in IRT's annual Recruiters' Weekend, attended by more than 60 academic deans and graduate admissions representatives from consortium institutions
Additionally, the IRT sponsors a summer workshop for 25-30 students who apply to the program during their junior or senior years of college. Participants engage in a graduate-level curriculum of critical, cultural, and educational theory during an intense four-week program at Phillips Academy in July; students and faculty work together nine hours each day, seven days a week.
Included in the workshop are lectures, seminar discussions, small group meetings, writing conferences, films, practice teaching sessions and presentations by nationally known educators, scholars, poets and artists.
During the summer workshop, students engage a graduate-level curriculum of critical, cultural and educational theory. Students also prepare for the GRE and work on their statements of purpose. In mid-July, the IRT hosts its annual Recruiters’ Weekend for all students where deans and admissions representatives from consortium institutions are eager to speak with potential candidates about their graduate programs. Summer workshop participants receive a $1,200 stipend, travel expenses (for those traveling by plane or train), and room and board.
Admission for the summer workshop is highly selective. If we are unable to offer you a place in the workshop, you will still be considered automatically for a place in the year-long program.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
Intern Summer Workshop:
- Applicants must be rising or graduating college seniors.
Associate Program:
- Applicants must be rising college seniors, college graduates, or currently or previously enrolled in a Master's degree program.
All Applicants Must:
- For undergraduates, have earned a grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale); and for graduate students, have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
- Have an undergraduate or Master’s degree major in mathematics, social sciences, humanities, education or computer science;
- Demonstrate a commitment to eradicating racial disparities in education;
- Demonstrate an interest in serving as a positive role model to youth;
- Submit a complete application by April 1.