Campus Life | March 2nd, 2022

FAMU’s Graduate Program Is A Post-Grad Dream

By: Alyssa Blake

Many college students are considering the idea of attending graduate school, but a lot of students are first-generation and are unaware of how they will pay for it or the resources that are available to help them with the process. At Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, the Graduate Feeder Scholars program is a prime avenue for hopeful graduate students. 

The program was implemented on FAMU’s campus in 1987 by President Frederick Humphries. Starting with 12 institutions, the program quickly expanded to over 40 institutions by the late 90s. India Woods, the liaison of the Graduate Feeder Scholars program, says the program’s humble beginnings were rooted in advancing Black education.

“President Humphries’ goal was to reduce the decline in the number of minorities receiving advanced degrees, especially the doctorate,” said Woods. According to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 53,754 African Americans enrolled in graduate school for the first time in the fall of 2020. Additionally, the same year, African Americans comprised 12.3 percent of all first-time graduate enrollees in the United States.

The program grants students academic and professional development, networking opportunities, campus visitations eligibility for funds to completely cover graduate programs and up to three waivers for partner institutions. 

Gabrielle Johnson, a senior public relations student, is currently enrolled in the Graduate Feeder Scholars Program and is appreciative of the learning opportunities she’s being provided

“I’m extremely grateful for the Graduate Feeder Program,” said Johnson. “They provide a supportive transition as I learn about applying to graduate schools and begin to assume the role of a graduate student.”

Some students expressed that the Graduate Feeder Program makes them hopeful that they will be able to pay for a graduate degree.

“I’ve always wanted to get a graduate degree, but I never thought that it was something that I would be able to afford,” said Amber Hicks, a senior business administration student. “The possibility of having my entire graduate degree paid for is taking away some of the stress and allowing me to focus mainly on my education.”

Woods hopes to increase the promotion of this program so that more students have knowledge of the opportunity.

“I hope to promote this program through our social media platforms, the School of Graduate Studies website, and FAMUinfo so that students are aware of this amazing opportunity,” said Woods. “I am also always open to coming to speak with other schools and colleges to ensure that all students know about The Graduate Feeder Scholars Program.”

Hicks hopes that the program will receive more university exposure. “It would be great if FAMU can increase promotion of the program because a lot of students aren’t aware that it exists,” Hicks said. “I found out about the program through my classmates. If I didn’t hear my classmates discussing it, I would’ve never learned about the program and the opportunities that come with it.” 

There currently isn’t a deadline to apply for the program and students are able to be inducted during the Fall and Spring semester. Graduate Feeder Scholars Program students must complete 30 credit hours with a minimum GPA of a 3.0, submit a completed Graduate Feeder Participation Application, submit an unofficial transcript, and attend at least five Graduate Feeder educational and professional development workshops.

Students can find out more information about the Graduate Feeder Scholars program at https://graduateschool.famu.edu/index.php and stay updated via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for all upcoming events.