Bunche Summer Institute

National Deadline: January 18, 2013, postmark

Eligibility requirements: The Ralph Bunche Summer Institute targets students from racial/ethnic groups that are significantly underrepresented in political science in the United States, e.g. African American, Latino/a, Native American, and Pacific Island students. All students who are members of these groups, or who are interested in broadening participation in political science by students from underrepresented minority populations and pursuing scholarship on issues affecting under-represented groups, are eligible to apply.

All applicants must be:

• United States citizens.
• completing their junior year of undergraduate study.
• majoring in political science or a related discipline.
• have an interest in attending graduate school in political science.

Award summary and conditions:  Designed to introduce 20 students to the world of graduate study and encourage applications to Ph.D. programs in political science.  The heart of the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) is two transferable credit courses, one in quantitative analysis and one in race and American politics. The courses introduce students to the intellectual demands of graduate school and political science research methods. As a final project for both courses, students prepare original, empirical research papers and top students are given the opportunity to present their research at APSA's Annual Meeting, with all expenses paid by the association.

The 2013 APSA RBSI Program runs from June 2nd, 2013 - July 4th, 2013. Classes are held on the Duke University campus, where students have access to a fully equipped computer laboratory, library collections, and other university facilities. Educational activities range from formal classroom settings to informal dinners and lunches with prominent political scientists and Duke University faculty. A strong ethics component is included with readings, cases, debates, and lectures on issues within an academic setting.

Since good performance on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is key to admission to and funding for graduate school, Graduate Record Exam test-taking strategies are provided by Princeton Review.

At the end of the Institute, representatives from a number of leading Ph.D. granting institutions come from across the country to participate in a recruitment fair. They visit with Bunche students, provide information about their doctoral programs, and discuss admissions concerns with the students. The RBSI Recruitment Fair will take place at Duke University, in June, 2013.

For the duration of the Institute, RBSI provides full support of tuition, health insurance, transportation, room and board in a dormitory double room, books, and instructional materials. Participants will also receive an allocation for food expenses, in addition to a weekly stipend.

Application materials (hard copy)

• 2013 RBSI application form
• Official transcript(s) (including fall semester)
• Three  letters of recommendations – one from the department chair, and two more from other people who are familiar with the applicants academic qualifications.
• Statement, not to exceed two double-spaced typed pages, stating the reasons for wanting to participate in the 2013 Ralph Bunche Summer Institute
• Resume

Send application to:  APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute
                                 c/o Shaunda Ragland
                                 American Political Science Association
                                 1527 New Hampshire Ave. NW
                                 Washington, DC 20036-1206

Faculty Representative: Keith Raether

Contact information: http://www.apsanet.org/content_6602.cfm