Author Profile

UC Davis Bridge to the Doctorate Program

Travis York, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

Program Description

The University of California, Davis Bridge to the Doctorate program is funded by the National Science Foundation's Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP). The LSAMP program assists universities and colleges in their efforts to significantly increase the numbers of students matriculating into and successfully completing high quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in order to diversify the STEM workforce. Particular emphasis is placed on transforming STEM education through innovative, evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, and relevant educational experiences in support of racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in STEM disciplines: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders.

Program Goals and Activities

The goal of the project is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the graduate STEM population.

Program activities include:

  • Professional development
  • Workshops and seminars
  • Support in applying for dissertation fellowships
  • Community and resources

Notes and Tips

Bringing a cohort of students together to support each other as peer mentors can lead to a learning community.

Program Costs and ROI

  • Cost of this initiative in its first year (including start-up costs): $1,000,000
  • Average yearly costs to maintain this initiative: $1,000,000
  • Average number of individuals served per year by this initiative: 0-25
  • Average annual rate of success for individuals meeting this initiative's goals: 90-100%

References and Accessory Materials

UC Davis Bridge to the Doctorate Flyer