Annual Fellowship Application Deadline: February 15
Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program
Annual Fellowship Application Deadline: February 15
Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2022
SUNY Plattsburgh’s Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program provides tuition funding
for up to six students each year who successfully demonstrate through their application
that they will contribute to the diversity of the graduate student body.
Applicants to the Diversity Fellowship Program will be asked to express, through a
short essay, how they can contribute to the diversity of their respective graduate
program.
Examples could include, but are not limited to:
Member of a group that is underrepresented in your field of study (e.g., male in a
historically female career or female in traditionally male career, or a minority in
a field of study with few minorities)
First-generation college student
Non-traditional student (e.g., single mother or father or older adult student)
Person with a disability
Coming from an economically disadvantaged background
Fellowship funds are determined by the campus and are based on annual funding available
from New York state. Typically three full in-state tuition awards and three partial awards are offered
each year*. 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.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a SUNY Plattsburgh Graduate Diversity Fellowship, an applicant
must:
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Be a newly applying full-time graduate student to a master’s or certificate of advanced
study degree program
Be able to contribute to the diversity of a graduate degree program or field of study
Have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education
Have high intellectual and professional promise
Have completed a Diversity Fellowship application, as well as an application for admission
for fall by February 15
The deadline to apply for the Diversity Fellowship for Fall 2022 is February 15, 2022.
This deadline is firm late applications will not be considered.
Selection & Notification Procedure
Selection will be made by the diversity fellowship committee and based on the eligibility
requirements described above, quality of prior academic record, and financial need
(as reflected in a FASFA or copy of most recent income tax statement).
Announcements of awardees will take place in April 2022 after the review committee
has had the opportunity to review each candidate and make their recommendations. Selected
award recipients will be notified via email and will be given a deadline by which
they need to accept or decline the award. If a selected recipient declines their award,
it will be given to the next runner up as determined by the review committee.
“The Diversity Fellowship is a blessing. I value the incredible support SUNY Plattsburgh
has given me. This recognition of my potential has invigorated my sense of self and
my career ambitions; never did I believe that I would earn such an honor. My professors,
my coworkers and my family have served as the steady hand for my burning flame — without
them I would collapse and dissipate. Because of this massive push forward, I can move
all of my focus into gaining the experiences and knowledge that my future students
will need from me.
My professional craft will adhere to student’s developing minds; my personal touch
will adhere to student’s aching hearts. I will not squander this opportunity. I do
not take this responsibility, nor this increase in expectations lightly. These additional
funds will offer the pep in my step and the wings for my take off. I must succeed,
and I will. I implore those who do dream of bright futures to keep dreaming and to
keep searching. Opportunities that seem far and unobtainable are worth pursuing —
take the leap!”
“This scholarship is truly a blessing for me. It means a lot because not only does
it support me with my education but it’s a token of appreciation from God, and I’m
truly honored to be receiving this award. I want to thank my family and friends for
all of their love and support. I have a responsibility to serve my culture and to
make sure that I give back to my community. When I represent something, I want my
actions to reflect in the finest way possible. Once again, thank you for giving a
Ghanaian-American girl from the Bronx this wonderful opportunity.”
“I was a transfer student to SUNY Plattsburgh during my second year of undergraduate
studies. I initially came to SUNY Plattsburgh with some hesitancy but with time found
my footing in this tight knit and diverse community. At SUNY Plattsburgh I felt like
all my identities were not only accepted but embraced and celebrated. I felt immense
support from both professors and other faculty and staff on campus. My rich undergraduate
experience definitely fueled my desire to continue my graduate studies at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Receiving the Diversity Fellowship Award means so much to me as a queer and hard of
hearing person. I feel so honored to receive the award and feel so excited about what
I will be able to bring to the campus and give to others during my graduate experience.”
“Receiving the Diversity Fellowship means that I can spend more time dedicating myself
to my degree and less time having to work a full time job while trying to keep up
with my studies. It also means that others see the opportunity and ability that I
have to bring diversity to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. Receiving this fellowship
also means that I have the ability to begin this journey into my future through gaining
my master’s degree.”
"Diversity, to me, is recognizing and understanding that we all have differences,
but that’s what makes us exceptional. Receiving the Diversity Fellowship is a great
honor because I have dedicated my life to working with diverse populations and will
continue to do so. My ultimate goal is to become a much-needed bilingual speech pathologist,
and this scholarship means that SUNY Plattsburgh believes in my ability to do so.
One of the most important criteria for my choice of graduate schools was how diverse
their speech pathology program was. In other words, I wanted to make sure the program
shared my passion for working with different types of people. After attending the
Speech-Language Pathology Interview Day and receiving my acceptance, I knew SUNY Plattsburgh
was the right choice for my master’s.”
“Wow, I am so honored and grateful to be a recipient of the Diversity Fellowship Award.
Growing up in a disadvantaged community has only strengthened my desire to receive
a college education, and to be the first in my family to do so. Now I can continue
my education at SUNY Plattsburgh’s speech-language pathology graduate program, and
pursue my dream job without the worries of a financial burden. Neither of my parents
received much education in their home countries, so this award has not only allowed
me to fulfill my personal aspirations but also their dreams when coming to this country.
Thank you, SUNY Plattsburgh, from my parents and me.”
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