Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program (GDFP)

Pursuant to appropriations contained within the New York State Budget, the State University of New York offers graduate fellowships to students who have been admitted to graduate or professional study and who will contribute to the diversity of the student body in the graduate or professional program in which enrollment is sought.

GDFP:

To participate in the GDFP, candidates are required to:

1. Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status, and; 

2. Demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher  education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the  student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic  programs and campus activities.

Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic  disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. 

These scholarship programs are open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color,  national origin, or sex, and are consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination  law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required  eligibility criteria.

Preference will be given to candidates who are:

• From a low-income background (e.g., Pell-eligible as undergraduates), were first-generationcollege students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree), have overcome  adversity, are AmeriCorps alumni, or are veterans.

A maximum $5,000 per academic year may be awarded to a recipient enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester. Awards may be used for course work completed during summer or other special sessions at the discretion of the Provost's Office.

A memo will be sent annually to all current Fredonia graduate students detailing the application, requirements, and deadline.