Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship


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  • How can I find more information about the SSSP’s Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship?
    You can download an application and find out more information by visiting     www.sssp1.org. (Follow the link to "Awards and Scholarships." If the information there does not answer your questions, you may contact the 2008 Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship Committee Chair, Joya Misra, or 413-545-5969.)

  • Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for the SSSP Racial/Ethnic Minority Graduate Scholarship?
    Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time that you apply for the scholarship.

  • How many students apply for the scholarship each year?
    About 40 students apply each year; however, 56 students applied last year. Only 1 fellowship is awarded each year.

  • How far along in a graduate program should applicants be?
    By the time of the award (September 1, 2008), the student should have defended the dissertation proposal and have achieved advanced status in the doctoral program (completed course work, examinations, and approval of the dissertation prospectus). Masters level students are not eligible for this scholarship.

  • Can the award be used to support the dissertation writing process after the research stage is completed?
    Yes, the scholarship may be used to support the dissertation writing process after the research stage is completed. The ideal candidate is a student who is in the process of completing a dissertation, whether that be data collection, data analysis, or writing.

  • Does an applicant need to be a student throughout the entire time for which the scholarship applies (2007-08 academic year)?
    Yes, the distribution of the award occurs twice during the academic year (September 2008 and January 2009). Applicants enrolled in their respective graduate programs during this period may receive the scholarship.

  • How formal should the statement regarding an applicant’s dissertation research be? Does it need to be the official prospectus approved by the graduate program? How long does it need to be?
    The dissertation proposal should be as formal as possible. The length of this document will vary dependent upon the protocol of an applicant’s graduate program; however dissertation proposals are usually at least 15 pages in length. A document approved by a doctoral committee or graduate program is appropriate. While the proposal need not be formally approved by the time of application, it should be approved by the time of the award (September 1, 2008).

  • Is there a requirement to the length of the personal statement?
    There is no requirement for the length of the personal statement. It should be long enough to convey an applicant’s commitment to a career in scholar activism. The average personal statement is around 3-6 pages.

  • Is there a specific form for the letters of recommendation or does it have to be on letterhead?
    There is not a specific form for the references. References written on letterhead are standard. The letter of recommendation from the advisor should note either that the student already has or
    should have defended the dissertation proposal and have achieved advanced status in the doctoral program (completed course work, examinations, and approval of the dissertation prospectus) by September 1, 2008.

  • Should letters of recommendation be sent along with or separate from other application materials?
    All letters must be included within the application packet. They must be in sealed envelopes and signed over the flap by the authors of the letters.

  • How many copies of the application does SSSP require?
    One copy is required.

  • Do application materials need to be sent all together in one packet?
    Yes, all components of an application must be received together in one package. A complete application includes:

    • the application form (obtained online, completed, and then printed out),
    • three sealed reference letters,
    • personal statement,
    • resume or curriculum vitae,
    • graduate transcript from doctoral program, and dissertation proposal (if completed).

    Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  • Where should an application be sent?
    Completed applications must be sent to: The Society for the Study of Social Problems, University of Tennessee, 901 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN, 37996-0490. The Executive Office will distribute applications to the Scholarship Committee.

  • Do applications need to be received by the due date or just post-stamped by the due date?
    Applications must be received by the due date. Applications post-marked before or on the due date that do not reach the Executive Office by February 1, 2007 will not be considered. It is advised the applicants mail their packets no later than mid-January to ensure a timely submission.

  • When will applicants learn of the Scholarship Committee’s decision?
    Applicants will learn whether they were selected for the scholarship by July 15, 2008.

  • Is membership in SSSP required in order to received the scholarship?
    Yes, membership in SSSP is required in order to be eligible for this scholarship.

  •  Is conference participation required at the SSSP annual meetings?
    Yes. The award recipient should plan on attending both the 2008 and 2009 SSSP annual meetings (normally scheduled in early to mid August) as the award will be formally given at the SSSP awards banquet in 2008 (award recipient will be provided two complimentary banquet tickets) and will be required to present work that was supported during the award year at the 2009 meeting (award recipient will be provided $500 to offset travel expenses for the 2008 and 2009 annual meetings).

  • If I am not selected can I apply next year?
    Yes, applicants not selected are encouraged to re-apply the following year.