The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation sponsors the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF) at Heritage University. This graduate studies preparatory program offers financial support to emerging upper-division students who are interested in pursuing academic research in the arts and sciences. The fundamental objective of MMUF is to increase the number of minority and Native American students, as well as others who demonstrate a commitment to eradicating racial disparities and who will pursue Ph.D.s in core fields in the arts and sciences. The program aims to reduce, over time, the serious underrepresentation of these groups in academia (mmuf.org).
Each spring, a call for qualified applicants is issued university-wide. Any student who meets the following criteria may apply:
- Sophomore standing (at least 30 credits)
- GPA of 3.0 or better
- Statement of intent to pursue a graduate degree (see Mellon coordinator for a handout outlining a structure for the essay)
- Three strong letters of recommendation from faculty (see Mellon coordinator for a handout of content expectations)
Approximately five fellows are selected every year. Awards are for two years (contingent upon adequate levels of participation).
An interdisciplinary committee of faculty members reviews student applications for admission to this program. Students receive a summer stipend to explore topics of interest (first year) and/or conduct faculty-mentored academic research (second year). Various levels of academic scholarships are awarded each fall and spring semester (amounts to be determined by levels of participation in and compliance with the MMUF Program).