Program Components

AGEP scholars serve as peer mentors for new incoming graduate and undergraduate students. They assist students with questions and coursework, and provide tutorial assistance whenever possible. Scholars exist in the colleges of science, engineering, technology, agriculture and mathematics. In addition, they participate in and conduct career development workshops, AGEP activities, and workshops for LSAMP, and SROP.

AGEP award recipients must be enrolled for a minimum of three credit hours in a doctoral research graduate program. Awardees must be in good standing in the graduate school and must participate in at least three professional development enrichment activities in addition to mentoring and tutoring activities. Scholars must also attend AGEP functions including the semester banquet. The amount of the award is $1,000 - $1,500 for the semester.

Qualifications

  • Enrolled full time (minimum of 3 credit hours) in a PhD graduate program at Purdue University West Lafayette.
  • A degree from a U.S. high school.
  • In good standing with department of study (letter of recommendation from faculty advisor required).
  • Ability to demonstrate a commitment to diversity or social justice through the views and experiences expressed in the diversity essay.
  • Workstation must be at Purdue West Lafayette campus.
  • Preference is given to a graduate student who has passed his or her qualifying exams.

Application Process

Students must:

  • Fill out an application.
  • Submit a current curriculum vitae.
  • Submit a brief description of research (not to exceed one page).
  • Submit a one-page diversity essay.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.
  • Meet with the AGEP program director if requested.

Essay Directions (respond to this statement in a one-page essay)

Describe your leadership, work, volunteer, and any other experience with diversity and/or social justice issues. This can include experience working with underrepresented minorities. Describe how these experiences foster a culture of enhanced direction, experience, and ideas in scholarship and research.

Selection Process

The student’s application is reviewed by a committee composed of the AGEP program director, staff, faculty partners and a minimum of one graduate student.

Applicants are evaluated based upon:

  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to diversity within the graduate student culture.
  • Scholarly activities and abilities.
  • Engagement within the University and community.
  • Program qualifications requirements.

Application Renewal Process

Current scholars may renew their AGEP scholar status by submitting a renewal application form and a current letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor (all other application materials are exempt). Approval of renewal is based in part on the scholar’s previous contributions to the AGEP program and participation in AGEP activities in addition to at least three professional development activities.

Award Terms and Conditions

AGEP award recipients must be enrolled for a minimum of three credit hours in a doctoral research graduate program in the physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, biological sciences, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. Awardees must be in good standing in the graduate school and must participate in at least three professional development enrichment activities in addition to mentoring and tutoring activities. Scholars must also attend AGEP functions including the semester banquet. The amount of the award is $1,000-$1,500 for the semester.

Application deadlines

Scholars must apply annually for the AGEP award. The application deadline is May 1st.

AGEP scholars serve as peer mentors for new incoming graduate and undergraduate students. They assist students with questions, coursework and provide tutorial assistance whenever possible. Scholars exist in the colleges of science, engineering, technology, agriculture and mathematics. In addition, they participate in and conduct career development workshops, AGEP activities, and workshops for LSAMP, and SROP. Get to know your AGEP scholars; they have a wealth of resources.