Access and Diversity Fellowship Programs

Hot Metal Bridge Post-Bac Program

This two-semester post-baccalaureate fellowship program is designed to help talented students from groups traditionally underrepresented in their academic disciplines, including first-generation graduate students and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, to bridge the gap between an undergraduate degree and a graduate training program. Fellows enjoy financial support and mentoring by both faculty and graduate students as they prepare themselves for a successful program of doctoral studies. Of those who have completed the program since 2011 (94% of all Fellows), some 85% have gone on to graduate studies at Pitt and elsewhere.

For additional information, please see Hot Metal Bridge Post-Bac Program

K. Leroy Irvis Fellowship Program

These highly competitive fellowships are designed to meet the critical need to recruit underrepresented minority graduate students to the University of Pittsburgh, to support and retain them, and eventually enhance their presence in the professorate. K. Leroy Irvis Fellowships are deployed primarily to recruit the most outstanding new graduate students to the University of Pittsburgh. Ph.D. programs nominate admitted students to the Dietrich School's Office for Graduate Studies for consideration for this prestigious program, which offers academic guidance and cohort-based mentoring alongside the financial support of a non-duty bearing first-year fellowship.  

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program

McNair students are eligible to be nominated by departments for multi-year fellowships that generally carry a stipend and a tuition scholarship. We waive graduate application fees for all graduate programs in the Dietrich School and will also pay for any McNair scholar admitted into one of our graduate programs to visit our campus. Applicants should direct all inquiries to their prospective department.

Campus Partners

If you work with undergraduates from underrepresented populations who have expressed an interest in one of our departments or programs, or who might wish to learn more about the Dietrich School, please contact Director of Diversity Initiatives Philippa Carter at pkc3@pitt.edu. We would be happy to work with you and your students to arrange an all-expense paid campus visit, schedule a call or meeting with a Dietrich School Diversity Liaison, or put you in touch with one of our graduate students mentors.