Purpose

As part of our deep commitment to diversifying the professoriate and research workforce within academia, the UVA Graduate School of Arts and Sciences seeks to support post-baccalaureate students from historically underserved communities in preparing for admissions into doctoral programs. Our goal is to help strengthen foundational knowledge and develop research skills in develop competitive scholars for PhD programs.

History

The Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship started in 2020 and was borne out of UVA’s commitment to cultivate a diverse and vibrant community in higher education as part of the strategic vision to becoming a great and good institution.

The B2D Fellowship welcomed its inaugural cohort in 2020. Due to the first Covid-19 pandemic, the first cohort was virtual; however, since 2021, the Fellowship has been fully residential.

How it Works

The B2D Fellowship is an intensive post-baccalaureate training program, with the goal of preparing Fellows for admittance and success in PhD programs upon the completion of the Fellowship.

Once Fellows are admitted, they work with Bridge Directors in their departments to create a customized academic plan that identifies opportunities for additional disciplinary training, enables them to cultivate necessary skills specific to their field, and improves their portfolio for applying to doctoral programs in their chosen fields of study. The IDP is a living document and should be updated as needed.

In addition to providing necessary academic training for preparation for graduate school, Bridge Departments will also help Fellows cultivate a wide network of mentors who will support them academically, professionally, and personally during their time at UVa. B2D Fellows will also have access to regular professional development opportunities offered by the Dean's Office during the course of their Fellowship.

Fellows will receive $26,000 per year in living support and full payment of their tuition, fees and single-person coverage in the University’s student health insurance plan for a period of two years.