The University of Iowa is embarking on a new program to increase the number of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students in STEM fields. Using a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 24 minority students will receive $40,000 scholarships over the next three years. The University of Iowa will provide an additional $10,000 to the 24 students.
Participating students must be African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Alaskan native and be enrolled in one of 22 STEM Ph.D. programs at the university. The scholarship money may be used for any purpose relating to obtaining a Ph.D. including travel, research, equipment, or even child care. Faculty mentors will be provided for each scholar.
The University of Iowa has a solid record of providing educational opportunities for minority graduate students. Some 41.2 percent of all graduate students at the university are non-White, compared to 28.6 percent of the undergraduate student body.
