• Enhancing writing, research, and analytical skills to increase competitiveness in the application and financial aid process for graduate school;
• Developing statistical skills for data analysis used in political science;
• Exposing participants to the significant questions in the discipline and profession of political science;
• Introducing participants to leading political scientists;
• Educating participants about political science career opportunities and encouraging their application to doctoral programs in political science.
The RBSI is an annual, intensive five-week program held at Duke University. It is designed to introduce to the world of doctoral study in political science those undergraduate students from under-represented racial and ethnic groups or those interested in broadening participation in political science and pursuing scholarship on issues affecting under-represented groups. Participants in the RBSI are drawn from a competitive national applicant pool. The RBSI Selection Committee reviews applications and makes decisions during the month of February. Applicants will be informed of their status via email. Read more below.
How To Apply:
- Submit your application to the 2015 APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute here!
- Program dates: May 31, 2015 - July 2, 2015
- Deadline for applications: January 16, 2015.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be members of a racial or ethnic minority group that is significantly under-represented in political science, such as African American, Asian Pacific American, Latinos/a, and Native American (federal and state recognized tribes) students, or who are interested in broadening participation in political science by students from under-represented minority populations and pursuing scholarship on issues affecting under-represented groups.
- Applicants must be college/university juniors.
- Applicants must demonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research in political science.
- Applicants must be US citizens at time of application.
- RBSI Applicant Checklist
- 2015 APSA RBSI Program Application (online by applicant)
- Includes fields for personal statement, resume, and list of recommenders.
- Official Transcripts (mail directly to APSA by university/college)
- Provide an official transcript (that includes 2014 fall semester grades) from each undergraduate institution attended. Institutions may send transcripts directly to APSA, postmarked no later than January 16, 2015.
- Letters of Recommendation (mail directly to APSA by recommender)
- Three letters of recommendation. One from the department chair, and two more from other people who are familiar with the applicant's academic qualifications (should be mailed by the recommenders, with recommender signature across the seal of the envelope).
- Recommender should attach this form to his/her letter of recommendation.
Transcripts and letters of recommendation should be mailed (and postmarked by January 16, 2015) to:
APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute
c/o Dr. Kimberly Mealy
American Political Science Association
1527 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036-1206
