Access, Wellness, and Relational Determinants of Student Success (AWARDSS) PLUS: Pathways to Doctoral Studies for Underrepresented Students in Education-Related Fields

The training program includes faculty, students, and recent alumni from the University of Arizona's main campus and its partner, the College of Applied Science and Technology at the University of Arizona. Over the course of the 5-year grant, AWARDSS-PLUS will offer up to 48 students 1-year fellowships.

AWARDSS-PLUS is one of the University of Arizona's year-round Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC) programs, collectively referred to as UROC-PREP, designed to increase participation of underrepresented students in doctoral study. Unlike other UROC-PREP programs, AWARDSS focusses exclusively on education research training and admits recent graduates and master's degree students. As part of the year-long AWARDSS training program, fellows receive 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 assistance in applying to doctoral programs.

AWARDSS-PLUS fellows begin their year-long training in the spring with a semester-long writing course and an online course on education research methods. Fellows then participate in the UROC-PREP summer research institute that includes a research apprenticeship with faculty mentors, continued research and writing training, and GRE preparation. During the fall semester, AWARDSS fellows continue their research apprenticeships with their faculty mentors.

For participation in the training program, each fellow receives a stipend, housing and a meal plan for the summer research institute, and a small travel allowance. Post-baccalaureate fellows may also receive additional funds to offset tuition costs.

Increasing Diversity in the Education Sciences
A primary purpose of all Pathways training programs is to help increase diversity in the Education Sciences. AWARDSS-PLUS represents a partnership between two Hispanic serving institutions (HSIs) within the University of Arizona System, one of which also has a large Native American undergraduate student population. In addition, as a UROC-PREP program, AWARDSS receives dedicated support for recruitment of students who are underrepresented in doctoral study.