Millennium Scholars Program

Introduction and Mission

The Frances Degen Horowitz Millennium Scholars Program was developed as a vehicle to encourage and support scholars from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups in pursuing graduate work in developmental science. To that end, the program provides educational and professional development for these scholars, giving them a launching point for a career in the field of child development. The program offers the selected scholars with mentorship from graduate students and senior scholars in the field who 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 Millennium Scholars Program, minority scholars have the opportunity to attend the SRCD Biennial meeting, special preconference activities, and to develop a lasting mentoring relationship with their mentors. These experiences enable scholars to gain valuable exposure to the field and allow them to interact not only with their mentors, but also with other scholars and professionals.

The application site closed December 7, 2012 for the 2013 Millennium Scholars Program. Thank you to all those that applied! Decision notifications will be sent in early February 2013. 

Who is eligible to apply?

The following are eligibility criteria for participants in the Millennium Scholars Program.

Scholars:

  • Must be members of underrepresented ethnic/racial minority groups (African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American/American Indian, Asian and/or Pacific Islander).
  • Have not applied to graduate school.
  • Permanently reside in the United States.
  • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, or may be working professionals who have attained an undergraduate degree, but who have not yet applied to graduate school.

Junior Mentors:

  • Are doctoral students or postdoctoral fellows who demonstrate strong mentoring qualities, a commitment to the program's mission, and are pursuing (or plan to pursue a career) in developmental science research, policy and/or practice.
  • Although we prefer junior mentors to be members of an underrepresented ethnic/racial minority group, it is not required.

Senior Mentors:

  • Are senior level professionals who offer unparalleled insight, inspiration, and information, and who demonstrate strong mentoring qualities and commitment to the program's mission.
  • Although we prefer senior mentors to be members of an underrepresented ethnic/racial minority group, it is not required.

What are participants required to do if selected?

Scholars must:

  • Attend all Millennium Scholars Program activities and the 2013 SRCD Biennial Meeting being held in Seattle, WA, April 18 - 20, 2013.
  • Initiate and maintain contact with assigned junior mentors before, during, and after the meeting.
  • Complete post-program evaluations.
  • Keep the SRCD office informed of contact information for six years following the meeting.

In addition, travel and lodging for scholars is provided by SRCD. Some, but not all, meals are provided.

Junior mentors must:

  • Attend all Millennium Scholars Program activities and the 2013 SRCD Biennial Meeting being held in Seattle, WA, April 18 - 20, 2013.
  • Initiate and maintain contact with assigned scholars before, during, and after the meeting, with an overall purpose of developing a strong mentoring relationship with the scholar.
  • Provide helpful advice, guidance, and support to assigned scholars.
  • Attend at least one activity at the meeting (i.e. presentations, discussions, symposia, etc.) with assigned scholars. The purpose of the shadowing experience is to share a biennial meeting experience with the scholars. 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.
  • Complete post-program evaluations.
  • Keep the SRCD office informed of current contact information for six years following the meeting.

In addition, junior mentors receive a stipend of $300, after completing a post-meeting survey, to aid with two days of added expenses resulting from participation in the Millennium Scholars Program activities. No additional compensation is offered for travel and/or accommodations. The program does not cover any costs associated with attending the SRCD Biennial Meeting.

Senior mentors must:

  • Review and provide feedback for a limited number of scholar/junior mentor CVs prior to the meeting.
  • Attend the MSP opening reception. This event is not mandatory, but attendance is strongly encouraged. There will be a structured "ice breaker" activity at this reception.
  • Lead the MSP CV workshop.
  • Attend the MSP evening dinner.
  • Attend the SRCD Biennial Meeting being held in Seattle WA, April 18 - 20, 2013.
  • Provide ongoing mentorship after the meeting for scholars who express interest in their research.
  • Complete post-program evaluations.
  • Keep the SRCD office informed of current contact information for six years following the meeting.

No compensation is offered for travel and/or accommodations associated with the Millennium Scholars Program. Additionally, the program does not cover any costs associated with attending the SRCD Biennial Meeting.

How do I apply?

Applicants are required to submit the following application materials.  The application site for the 2013 program has closed. Please check back in September 2014.

Scholars 

  • A brief biosketch (200 words or less) describing yourself; the biosketch should be less formal and more personal than your statement.
  • 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

Junior Mentors

  • A brief biosketch (200 words or less) describing yourself; the biosketch should be less formal and more personal than your statement.
  • A statement (400-600 words) describing your career goals, current academic and research interests, and any relevant experiences
  • A curriculum vitae or resume

Senior Mentors

  • A brief biosketch (200 words or less) describing yourself; the biosketch should be less formal and more personal than your statement.
  • A curriculum vitae

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, the application process, or are interested in becoming a financial supporter, please contact:
Casey Irelan
Phone: (734) 926-0612
Email: msp@srcd.org