www.srcd.org

Introduction and 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, special preconference activities, and 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 participants in the Horowitz Millennium Scholars Program (HMSP), and foster the development of a long lasting relationship between the scholars and mentors.

Scholars
Scholars are undergraduate students from the United States and/or North America who are interested in pursuing a career in child development, and are a member of an underrepresented group (for example, 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 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

1. Attend the SRCD Biennial meeting and all special preconference activities.
2. Keep SRCD office informed of current contact information for five years following the meeting.
3. Maintain contact with assigned junior/senior mentor before, during, and after attending meeting.
4. Fill out and return evaluations, and participate in ongoing listserv.

Junior Mentors
Junior mentors are graduate students or recent doctoral degree recipients (5 years) from the United States and/or North America 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. Junior mentors do not have to be from an underrepresented background.

Benefits
All junior mentors receive a stipend of $300 to aid with 2 days of added expenses resulting from participation in special preconference activities (no additional compensation for travel and/or accommodations).

Responsibilities

1. Attend the SRCD Biennial Meeting and all special preconference activities.
2. Keep SRCD office informed of current contact information for five years following the meeting.
3. 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:
   
   
   • Respond to email updates from scholars providing helpful advice, guidance and support
   • 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).
   • 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.

Senior Mentors
Senior mentors are senior level professionals who offer unparalleled insight, inspiration, and information; who demonstrate strong mentoring qualities; and a commitment to the overall program aims. Senior mentors do not have to be from an underrepresented background and are not required to be from the United States and/or North America.

Responsibilities

1. Attend the SRCD Biennial meeting and preconference program activities.
2. Keep SRCD office informed of current contact information for five years following the meeting.
3. 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:

• 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.
• respond to email updates from scholars providing helpful advice, guidance and support.
• 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.

Applying to the Program

Scholars must provide:

• A brief biosketch
• A statement (400-600 words) describing your career goals, current academic and research interests, and any relevant experiences
• Recent transcripts (unofficial are okay)
• A curriculum vitae or resume

• A brief biosketch
• A statement (400-600 words) describing your career goals, current academic and research interests, and any relevant experiences
• A curriculum vitae or resume

• A brief biosketch
• A curriculum vitae

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: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it