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Applications are being accepted for the 2008 Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship. Members of the Society should urge qualified candidates to apply for this award. Applications are due by and must be received on February 1, 2008. Applicants will be notified of the results by July 15, 2008. All applicants must be current SSSP members when applying.

Purpose
Criteria
Funding
Responsibilities of Recipient
Student Application Process
Application Form (RTF)
Frequently Asked Questions


Scholarship Purpose

The Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP), in keeping with its philosophy of active engagement with social problems, participation in social problem solutions, and advancement of knowledge through study, service and critical analysis, established the Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship at its annual meeting in August 1993. The purpose of the scholarship is:

  • To identify and support developing minority scholars who exemplify and give fresh voice to the SSSP history and commitment to scholar activism
  • To give renewed energy and wider lenses to diversity in scholarship
  • To increase the pool of minority social and behavioral scientists
  • To establish a formal commitment to diversity through support of a minority doctoral student in the social and/or behavioral sciences inclusive of course work or dissertation research support who demonstrates a commitment, through his or her scholarly examination, of any aspect of inequality, injustice and oppression

Selection Criteria

  • A person identified as either Black/African American, Hispanic/ Latino, Asian/Asian-American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or American Indian or Alaska Native accepted into an accredited doctoral program in any one of the social and/or behavioral sciences so as to expand their perspectives in the pursuit and investigations into social problems
  • Submission of a dissertation proposal of 15 or more pages. The student’s dissertation advisor’s letter should note that s/he expects the student to have defended the dissertation proposal and have achieved advanced status in the doctoral program (completed course work, examinations, and approval of their dissertation prospectus) by September 1, 2008
  • A grade point average or equivalent of at least 3.25 in one’s current graduate program [of study]
  • Evidence, through scholarly work and/or commitment to a career of scholar activism as demonstrated by: course work and research, activism in school and/or community, and career plans
  • Statement of financial need as expressed by the applicant and Graduate Program Director or Advisor
  • Applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
     

Funding

A $12,000 scholarship will be funded to one student with an additional $500 awarded for attendance at the annual meeting. Payments will be made in equal installments in September 2008 and January 2009. SSSP believes that the support of students will foster the commitment required to enable the student to fund living arrangements as well as academic or research costs.


Responsibilities of Recipient

  • Attend the annual meeting to receive the award. A $500 stipend will be available to the winner for this purpose.
  • Submit a brief final report (three pages maximum) on the work sponsored through the award, at the end of the award year.
  • Following year, present work (described above) at an appropriate division session. A $500 stipend will be available to the winner for this purpose.
  • Following year, serve on the Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship Committee and attend the scheduled meeting of the committee.

Student Application Process

Complete application packets should be sent to the SSSP Executive Office.  Incomplete packets will not be reviewed.  Each packet must include the following:

  • Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship Application (complete and print the application and send it in with the rest of your application);
  • an Official Transcript with seal from the student’s Graduate Program Registrar;
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae;
  • Three letters of recommendation addressing the student’s work and progress in program, including one from the student’s dissertation Advisor. The letter from the Advisor should address the financial need of the applicant, and should also note that the student will have defended the dissertation proposal and have achieved advanced status in the doctoral program (completed course work, examinations, and approval of their dissertation prospectus) by September 1, 2008. Each letter should be placed in a sealed envelope with author’s signature over the seal. Letters not included in the packet will not be accepted.
  • Personal statement of commitment to a career of scholar activism;
  • Submit 15 or more pages of your dissertation proposal
 
Contact Joya Misra, Chair, Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship Committee with all questions (W: 413-545-5969; F: 413-545-0746; ).
 

Complete application packets should be sent to:
The Society for the Study of Social Problems
Unversity of Tennessee, 901 McClung Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996-0490
W: 865-689-1531; F: 865-689-1534
Email: