Graduate Diversity Programs

Our Commitment to Graduate Student Diversity

At the graduate level, Stanford believes a student body that is both highly qualified and diverse in terms of culture, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, work and life experiences is essential to educational excellence. A diverse community of scholars asks unexpected questions and has divergent insights, and so pushes the forefront of knowledge further, faster. The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education works collaboratively with others to broaden the participation and promote the success of students from a variety of backgrounds under-represented within research universities. As a result, the next generation of leaders will be better prepared, and all members of the Stanford community can reap the educational benefits of diversity.

VPGE works with departments and schools to support the success of a diverse graduate student population. VPGE has funding available to support projects sponsored by recognized Stanford Voluntary Student Organizations and to support dissertation research expenses on diversity-related topics.

Stanford’s Diverse Graduate Student Community

Stanford’s 8,200 graduate students come from all parts of the world; represent all racial, ethnic and religious groups; and include men, women, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities.

Funding for Student Organizations

VPGE has funding available on a competitive basis to support projects and events sponsored by recognized Stanford Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs). VPGE funds projects to advance graduate student diversity by serving the academic interests of current students and enhancing the quality of their educational experiences.

Dissertation Research Opportunity Fund

VPGE has funding available on a competitive basis to support dissertation research expenses on diversity-related topics.

Diversifying Academia Recruiting Excellence (DARE) Fellowship program

The DARE fellowships are for advanced doctoral students who plan to pursue academic careers, and whose presence will help diversify the professoriate. The main objectives are to better prepare students from diverse backgrounds for academic careers and to have them, in turn, serve as mentors to others.

The first DARE fellowships will be awarded in the spring of 2008. Twelve two-year awards will be made.

See additional information and application materials.

Funding for Administrative Offices

VPGE has funding available to support projects and events sponsored by Stanford departments and administrative offices. VPGE funds projects to advance graduate student diversity by serving the academic interests of current students and enhancing the quality of their educational experiences.