AWARDSS-PLUS Program - Application Deadline

Are you interested in educational research and considering a PhD? 

The expanded Access, Wellness, and Relational Determinants of Student Success: Publishing, policy, practice, Leadership and life-long learning for Underrepresented Students (AWARDSS or AWARDSS-PLUS) Program, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, is open to students of all disciplines that lead to a PhD program in an education-related field, such as education, social science, and public health.

The AWARDSS-PLUS Program is a flexible, high quality, competency-based research apprenticeship with potential for real-world impact on US Education. This program was designed to be culturally inclusive for nontraditional and underrepresented students. This UROC-affiliated program at the University of Arizona can prepare you for doctoral study in education through an exceptional year-long training program starting in the Spring of 2025. The AWARDSS program is not restricted to specific majors - only to those interested in educational research (across the lifespan). Fellows will receive specialized training in education research (with a focus on examining individual and societal contributions to student success), conduct research with faculty mentors, develop their writing skills, and receive specific assistance in applying to doctoral programs, all via our specialized funded program. 

What are the benefits? 

• Fall/Spring graduate writing courses
• GRE training and fee waivers 
• Financial package of up to $9,200 in stipend (inc. room and board support noted below) and additionally up to $2,900 in professional development and travel funds 
• On campus parking, mileage (if applicable) 
• Summer tuition and fees paid by UROC for the UROC-PREP credit-bearing courses

• Summer room and board provided (or off-campus housing equivalencies) 

Who is eligible to apply?

• This opportunity is open exclusively to U.S. citizens due to program requirements. 
• You must be committed to pursuing a doctoral degree and intend to apply and enroll in a graduate program immediately
• You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0+. (overall, major, or graduate degree GPA)
• You must meet one of the following criteria regarding academic status:

  • Be a continuing UA junior or senior, or

  • Be within 5 years of having received a Bachelor's degree or

  • Be currently enrolled in a Master's degree program with a graduation date no sooner than December 2025.

Need help with your application? Reach out to an Undergraduate Research Ambassador (URA) on how to craft a competitive application to this program by emailing undergradresearch@arizona.edu or making a 1:1 appointment with an URA.

Ready to apply? Apply here. The priority application deadline is Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 11:59PM AZ Time. UROC-PREP AWARDSS will review applications and conduct interviews until all spots are filled.

The application website (UROC) uses a universal form for all programs, and some of the information contradicts our requirements (i.e. UROC states that you must be a continuing UA junior or senior with a certain graduation date, but the AWARDSS program has broader acceptance standards as described above*). The information you find here and at the AWARDSS site is accurate regarding requirements. More details on how to apply are available here.

Questions? Please email your inquiries to coe-awardss@arizona.edu.