Virtual program for research, acclimation seeking applications from incoming underrepresented minority graduate students

Incoming underrepresented minority graduate students are invited to join the Graduate Bridge program, a six-week virtual research experience designed by the Graduate School’s Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives (OGDI). This summertime program helps foster an instant peer network while acclimating incoming underrepresented minorities (URM) graduate students to the Purdue campus at West Lafayette.

“We want to give our graduate students the best possible chance to succeed, particularly our URM graduate students," says Julius Eason, senior manager of ODGI. "We encourage graduate faculty and staff members to refer incoming underrepresented graduate students to this program, to get an early start in graduate school by familiarizing themselves with their departments, faculty mentors, graduate students and their research.”

The program includes professional and research development workshops, professional writing and research experience, and a social component to help prepare graduate students for the upcoming academic year.

Candace Young, a master’s degree student in animal sciences and a Bridge alumna, says about her experience with the program: “The Bridge program is an inclusive and diverse community that challenges you to be a better you than yesterday.”

Eligible students include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who have been accepted into a Purdue graduate program for the Fall 2021 semester. Preferred students include those pursuing a master's or PhD degree from underrepresented populations and diverse backgrounds, which include but are not limited to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Native Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ+ persons.

The Bridge program will take place from June 28 to Aug. 6. Interested students may apply online through May 14. Questions about the program should be directed to Julius Eason at eason2@purdue.edu.