Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program

To counter the under-representation of minority groups on college and university faculties nationwide, the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUFP) encourages minority students, and others with a demonstrated commitment to racial diversity, to pursue academic careers. It provides opportunities for talented undergraduates to work with faculty mentors and sponsors in research and other activities designed to encourage the pursuit of the PhD in the humanities and core sciences.

"The MMUF, as it is widely known, is part of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation's mission to "aid and promote such religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes as may be in the furtherance of the public welfare or tend to promote the well-doing or well-being of mankind." In 1988, under this broad charter, the Foundation made a long-term commitment to help remedy the serious shortage of faculty of color in higher education.

The Program aims over time to address not only the racial disparities in higher education but also the attendant educational consequences of these disparities. The program serves the related goals of structuring campus environments to be more conducive to improved racial and ethnic relations, and of providing role models for all youth. The name of the program symbolically connects the mission to the stellar achievements of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, educator, college president, and civil rights activist (biography).

Five to ten fellows are chosen in March of their sophomore year for funding in their junior and senior years and the summers between. Selection is based on academic performance and promise, interest in pursuing graduate study toward the Ph.D. in one of the designated fields (eligibility list), demonstrated commitment to increasing opportunities for under-represented minorities, and dedication to understanding persons of all races and ethnicities.

More specific information can be found on the application itself.

For more information please contact:
(Meg Brooks Swift) or (Lauren Valente)
Student Employment Office
86 Brattle St.
Phone: (617) 495-2585