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  • Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program


    Annual Fellowship Application Deadline: February 15

  • Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program


    Annual Fellowship Application Deadline: February 15

Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program


Fellowship Applications for 2024–25 are Now Open

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program provides full or partial tuition funding for new graduate students who have overcome a disadvantage to success in higher education and successfully demonstrate through their application that they will contribute to the diversity of their field of study.

Fellowship funds are determined by the campus and are based on annual funding available from New York state. Recipients receive a credit to their college account, and any funds in excess of college charges may be used for other educational expenses, including books and supplies, room, meals, personal and transportation.

*These awards are subject to changes annually based on funding levels from the State of New York.

Diversity Fellowship Recipients


Meet our current diversity fellowship recipients and learn about what receiving this award means to them.

Aneesha Baloch

When receiving the award, the word grateful was not merely enough to describe how I felt. More, I am appreciative and honored to receive such an award. Not only did this award allow me to avoid taking out loans leading to debt, but it also brings me one step closer to my goals. As a Pakistani Muslim that comes from a culture where mental health is looked down upon, this award will help to further my education. In allowing me to not only help different clientele but, especially to those similar within my community along with a similar religious background. It truly is an honor once again and I cannot wait to start my graduate studies in the upcoming fall. Not only am I looking forward to expanding my knowledge and skills, but also forming connections with both faculty and other pupils.”

Jonathan Gomez

I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for the scholarship you have awarded me. I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition and the support you have given me towards my education.

“This scholarship means that I can continue to pursue my dreams and aspirations without worrying too much about financial struggles. Your generosity has lifted a significant burden and I am grateful for this opportunity. The opportunity you have given me is more than the financial value of this scholarship. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put into my studies. You have recognized my efforts and have validated my determination, which is invaluable to me. Being told as a child that I would not make it simply because of my diversity, my environment, and my parents not making it hindered me — but I did not let it stop me. I used all that hate to fuel my drive and succeed in what I am doing. Once again, I am truly blessed to have received this scholarship, and I cannot thank you enough. I promise to work hard towards my goals and make the most of the opportunity you have given me.”

Jerry Jean-Baptiste

“It is an honor and privilege to receive the graduate diversity fellowship. As a first-generation college student that migrated from Haiti to the United States in 2010, pursuing my master’s degree is a big deal and means a lot to me. My younger self would be so proud of how far I’ve come along and everything I have accomplished.

“Receiving this fellowship is a testament to the hard work and dedication I have put into my education to get to this point. This fellowship is a testament to the person I inspire to become. To me that is becoming a speech-language pathologist. I will be entering a field where less than 4% of the licensed professionals are Black/African-American and less than 4% are males. I hope to make a difference in this field by increasing that 4%. Speech-language pathology is a field that serves all populations from various races and ethnicities and we need more licensed professionals to reflect the overall population we serve. I inspire to be an advocate for underrepresented individuals/communities and in the field in general.

“This fellowship is an investment in my future that will not go unnoticed. I would also like to say thank you to my family, friends, faculty, and staff that have helped me reach this point in my life. It really does take a village as I could have not done it without all the help and support. I am eternally grateful.”

Saran Kaba

Receiving a diversity fellowship award is a significant honor for me. This award not only recognizes my academic achievements and potential, but also acknowledges my commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in my field of speech-language pathology. As a member of an underrepresented group, this award is particularly meaningful to me, as it provides both financial support and validation of my experiences and perspectives. With this fellowship, I am excited to continue my education and contribute to the diversity of ideas and perspectives in my field. I am grateful for this opportunity and will strive to make the most of it by working hard and giving back to my community.”

Malina Lawrence

I am extremely grateful to be awarded the diversity fellowship. At a young age, I learned to be independent, establish a strong work ethic and strive for financial stability on my own. It is important to me to further my education and obtain my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. The diversity fellowship will help me immensely as I achieve my personal and professional goals. Personally, I struggled with both mental health and substance use throughout my life. This field often sees dual diagnosed individuals. I am thankful that I now have the opportunity to help people that may struggle with the same issues I did. I will be the first one in my family to obtain a master’s degree. This is both an extraordinary opportunity and gift for me.”

Arlene Paez

Receiving the diversity fellowship has been an honor and a blessing. It has allowed me to be the first in my family to pursue a master’s degree and be able to give back to my community in the capacity that I aspire. As a first generation student this award makes me feel valued and supported by relieving some of the financial burden of earning a master’s. As a young mother it is extremely important to me to be a role model and show that with faith, hard work and dedication anything is possible. My dream of becoming a clinical mental health counselor has become a reality and I couldn’t be more grateful. I am excited to bring diversity in my field and change the perspective of mental health in the Latinx community. Nothing is more rewarding to me than helping others reach their fullest potential and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.”

Fatoumata Toure

I want to start by saying Alhamdulillah! (Praise be to God)

“Receiving the fellowship and diversity award means the world to me. There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am. During the process of applying for this award, I doubted myself; but, every time I feel like I am not enough, Plattsburgh proves me wrong. I want to thank my community at Plattsburgh for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you, Plattsburgh for taking a chance on me and allowing me to be someone big and successful one day.

“Receiving this award shows me that I am seen, heard and accepted. Coming from an African Muslim household with two parents who have no background in education, you’re never really looked at so this means a lot to me. Plattsburgh has shown me that my skin color, my religion, or my status does not define my success. They have continuously shown me that anyone is worthy of being invested in no matter who you are. Completing my undergrad in psychology at Plattsburgh was an honor and now I am even more grateful to be able to obtain my master’s from Plattsburgh. Again, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and to every SINGLE person who invested in me and my education no matter how big or small, just know when I become successful, you will be the reason why. Thank you!”

Past Recipients

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