Title III HBGI PhD Dissertation Stipend Program

Program Summary

The Title III HBGI PhD Dissertation Stipend is a prestigious award offered to qualified Ph.D. students enrolled in STEM disciplines at North Carolina A&T State University.  The purpose of the Dissertation Stipend is to increase the number of native Black Americans earning a Ph.D. degree in STEM disciplines through a program of financial assistance.  The Dissertation Stipend, consisting of a stipend and additional benefits, is funded through a Title III HBGI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  Dissertation Stipend awards are made for one academic year at a time and are renewable for up to four years contingent upon the student’s academic progress and the availability of funds.  Failure to comply with the requirements of the Dissertation Stipend program can result in termination of the award at any time.

 

Each Dissertation Stipend will be in the amount of $15,000 for 12 months.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Anyone who plans to apply for the Dissertation Stipend must:

  1. be a US citizen
  2. be a native born African American
  3. be enrolled in a PhD program in a STEM discipline at North Carolina A&T State University
  4. complete all course requirements
  5. pass qualifying and preliminary exam
  6. submit updated plan of study
  7. meet all other eligibility requirements as set forth in the Dissertation Stipend announcement

 

Application/Initial award

The initial award of the Dissertation Stipend will be based on an evaluation of an application package consisting of the following:

  1. Application form (available on Graduate School’s website)
  2. Letters of recommendation
  3. Personal statement
  4. Research abstract
  5. Copy of the student’s academic transcripts
  6. Copy of FAFSA or previous year’s income tax return
  7. Plan of Study with evidence of completion of all course work, qualifying exam and preliminary exam

 

Recommendation letters

Submit three recommendation letters written by faculty members on the student’s dissertation committee.  The letters should be on official letterhead, and should include the following information: Name and Title of reference writer, department, and institution or organization.  Each letter should provide details explaining the nature of the relationship to the applicant, comments on the applicant's potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's proposed research, and any other information to enable the Dissertation Stipend committee to evaluate the application.

 

Research abstract

In approximately 500 words, present a summary of the research topic that is approved by your dissertation committee.  Describe the research idea, your general approach, as well as any unique resources that may be needed for accomplishing the research goal (i.e., access to national facilities or collections, collaborations, overseas work, etc.).  You may choose to include important literature citations. Address the potential of the research to advancing knowledge and understanding within the field of study as well as broader impacts on society.

 

Award Committee

The Dissertation Stipend Committee will be responsible for selecting Dissertation Stipend awardees based on applications received by the posted deadline.  The committee will consist of one member from each college that offers STEM PhD programs.  The committee will make decisions on awards within two weeks after the application deadline.  Selected awardees will be notified by the Graduate School with copies to the advisor, graduate coordinator, department chair and the Title III office.

 

Application Deadline

Completed applications for initial Dissertation Stipend award must be submitted to the Graduate School office by the following deadlines:

  • Feb 1: for awards starting in fall
  • Aug 1: for awards staring in spring

 

Award Renewal Criteria

Each Fellow will be required to maintain the following standards to continue to receive the award:

  1. Maintain 3.3 or higher Cumulative GPA
  2. Positive recommendation from Advisor, Graduate Coordinator, and Department Chair.  Alternately, no adverse report from department.
  3. Not concurrently hold another Dissertation Stipend or internship
  4. Not be employed or receive any other source of funds
  5. Attend all Title III meetings
  6. Attend special workshops and conferences arranged on campus and recommended by Title III office
  7. Maintain high ethical standards and maintain compliance with the university’s honor code

 

Any adverse finding during any academic year can lead to discontinuation of the Dissertation Stipend in mid-year.  The Dissertation Stipend will be renewed for a maximum of 2 academic years or 4 semesters.

 

Stipend

The Title III Ph.D. Dissertation Stipend provides a competitive stipend for the academic year.  The amount of the stipend can change every year based on availability of funds and program objectives.  Any change in the stipend amount for the next academic year will be decided by the Dissertation Stipend committee at least six months before the start of the academic year.  In-state and out-of-state tuition for one (1) credit, required fees and health insurance at current university rates are also covered.  All stipends are subject to availability of funds.

 

For more information

For further information, please contact Ms. Anita Sanders at 336-285-2369 or via e-mail at asanders@ncat.edu.

 

Appeals

Appeals regarding Title III decisions should be directed to Dr. Kim Chavis, Title III Director, North Carolina A&T State University, 1020 E. Wendover Ave, Suite 104, Greensboro, NC 27411, (336) 285-3797, or via e-mail at ktchavis@ncat.edu.