Introduction & Mission
The Frances Degen Horowitz Millennium Scholars Program was developed as a vehicle to encourage and support undergraduates from underrepresented groups to pursue graduate work in child development and other related disciplines. To that end, the program provides educational and professional development for these undergraduate students, giving them a launching point for a career in the field of child development.
Supporting the goals of underrepresented students interested in the field of child development is becoming increasingly important as the United States undergoes demographic shifts over the course of the next century. Statistics indicate that combined minority populations are projected to become the majority during this time period. While the minority population at undergraduate institutions is expected to increase, progressively fewer minorities are continuing their education beyond the baccalaureate level. This drop-off in educational continuity is attributed, in part, to the lack of minority role models and mentors. The Horowitz Millennium Scholars Program was created to address this issue. The program offers the selected student scholars both Junior and Senior Mentors who will provide them guidance and support in their pursuit of educational and professional goals. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic and disciplinary groups are recruited to serve as Mentors. Through participation in the Horowitz Millennium Scholars Program, minority students are given the opportunity to attend the SRCD Biennial meeting as well as pre-conference activities, field trips and the opportunity to develop a lasting mentoring relationship with their Junior (PhD candidates) and Senior (Faculty) mentors. These experiences will enable them to gain valuable exposure to the field and allow them to interact not only with their mentors, but also with students, participants and professionals who are in attendance.
Guidelines for Participation
The following guidelines delineate the responsibilities for Junior and Senior mentors to guarantee a successful Horowitz Millennium Scholars Program (HMSP), in which a long lasting relationship between the scholars and mentors is cultivated.
Scholars |
| Undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in child development, and are a member of an underrepresented group (African American, Latino, Native American, Asian, and/or Pacific Islander). Scholars should be sophomores, juniors or seniors who have not applied to graduate school (although some exceptions may be made).
Benefits
All scholars will attend the SRCD Biennial Meeting and all special preconference program activities. In addition, travel and lodging is arranged and provided by SRCD. Some, but not all, meals will be provided. Scholars will also receive mentorship by junior and senior mentors before, during, and after the Biennial Meeting.
Responsibilities
- Attend the SRCD Biennial meeting and all preconference program activities.
- Keep SRCD office informed of current contact information for five years following the meeting.
- Maintain contact with assigned junior/senior mentor before, during, and after attending meeting.
- Fill out and return evaluations, and participate in ongoing listserv.
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Junior Mentors |
Doctoral students or recent PhDs (5 years) who demonstrate strong mentoring qualities, a commitment to the overall program aims, and are pursuing (or plan to pursue a career) in child development research, policy and/or practice.
Benefits
Stipend of $300 to aid with 2 days of added expenses resulting from participation in pre Biennial Meeting activities (no additional compensation for travel and/or accommodations).
Responsibilities
- Attend the SRCD Biennial Meeting and all preconference program activities.
- Keep SRCD office informed of current contact information for five years following the meeting.
- Maintain contact with assigned scholar before, during, and after attending meeting, with an overall purpose to maintain contact and develop a strong mentoring relationship with the scholar:
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respond to email updates from scholars providing helpful advice, guidance and support
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participate, at least once a month, in online discussion group (directed topics each month on issues at the forefront of child development research, policy and/or practice).
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allow scholar to shadow you during at least one activity at the conference (i.e. presentations, discussions, symposia, etc). The purpose of the shadowing experience is to share a Biennial meeting experience with your scholar. The choice of which symposium or poster session to attend should be made together. A conversation should follow, where both discuss the questions and ideas raised by the session. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest.
4. Fill out and return evaluations, etc. |
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Senior Mentors |
Senior level professionals who offer unparalleled insight, inspiration, and information; who demonstrate strong mentoring qualities; and a commitment to the overall program aims.
Responsibilities
- Attend the SRCD Biennial meeting and preconference program activities.
- Keep SRCD office informed of current contact information for five years following the meeting.
- Maintain contact with assigned scholar before, during and after attending meeting, with an overall purpose to maintain contact and develop a strong mentoring relationship with the scholar:
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email/mail article to scholar well in advance of the conference: this will allow students to develop an understanding about your work and to be able to ask questions about your research.
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respond to email updates from scholars providing helpful advice, guidance and support.
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allow scholar to shadow you during at least one activity at the conference (i.e. presentations, discussions, symposia, etc). The purpose of the shadowing experience is to share a Biennial meeting experience with your scholar. The choice of which symposium or poster session to attend should be made together. A conversation should follow, where both discuss the questions and ideas raised by the session. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest.
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Applying to the Program
We will begin accepting applications for the 2009 SRCD Biennial Meeting in the fall of 2008.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the program, the application process, or are interested in becoming a financial supporter, please contact:
Birgit Swanson
Phone: (734) 926-0610
E-mail: swansonb@srcd.org
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