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Financial aid and support play a key role in widening access to graduate education in the US
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Many students from underrepresented groups face systemic barriers, which make their higher education goals more difficult to achieve. The high cost of education in the US can place a heavier burden on students from low-income backgrounds. Both financial and pastoral support are important in creating a level playing field for such students.
Government and private sector initiatives promoting equitable access to higher education are essential for supporting social mobility, reducing inequality and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have opportunities to pursue higher education in the US.
Scholarship programmes and grants for underrepresented students
The Gates Scholarship by the Gates Foundation stems from a commitment to helping exceptional students from low-income families realise their academic goals. This last-dollar scholarship covers tuition, living expenses and other related expenses and is rooted in the evidence-based notion that eliminating financial barriers can enable talented students to excel in their studies and careers.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) offers scholarships and leadership development programmes to address the achievement gap in higher education. JRF scholars receive financial assistance of up to $35,000 (£26,600) throughout college and have opportunities to attend leadership conferences and events. In addition to financial aid, they are enrolled in a four-year talent development programme that includes mentorship, career guidance, work experiences and practical skills training.
Institutional support programmes
Many universities run support initiatives, such as diversity offices, mentorship programmes and academic counselling, to create an inclusive academic environment and help students overcome barriers to success.
The Academic Advancement Program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) supports low-income, first-generation and historically underrepresented students with tutoring, advising and peer mentorship to make the most of their academic journey. UCLA’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion works on developing policies that advance equity and belonging within its academic community. The university has established cultural centres dedicated to supporting students from diverse communities and incorporates values such as accountability, engagement and inclusive leadership into its mission and culture.
Arizona State University is well-known for inclusive innovation and policies that prioritise access to education. It established the American Indian Student Support Services to provide support for Native American students and has dedicated success centres for first-generation students. The university offers mentorship and professional development tailored to individual preferences and academic interests.
Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia has achieved high graduation and retention rates among underrepresented students through holistic support, mentoring, alumni networks and health and well-being services.
Partnerships for equitable education
Collaboration between universities and private or governmental organisations fosters diversity in graduate education through targeted programmes covering financial aid, mentorship and professional development. The influence of these partnerships extends beyond academia by building inclusive talent pipelines for the workforce.
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that provides funding opportunities for education, research and training in the country. It focuses on science, engineering and the advancement of technology. The NSF supports educational programmes such as Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, which focuses on creating a more diverse workforce in science and building equitable pathways to STEM research careers. It provides grants aimed at strengthening equity and inclusion while addressing and reducing systemic inequities within higher education.
The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship supports high-achieving students to become experts in their fields. It offers financial aid to around 500 undergraduate students each year and places a strong focus on mentorship and research opportunities. Other programmes that promote representation and inclusion in graduate education include the McNair Scholars Programme, the American Indian Graduate Center Graduate Fellowship and the American Indian College Fund.
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