IDS Fellowship Program

Students participate in rewarding experiences that help develop leadership skills to thrive in college and launch their post-graduation paths. These include:

• Hands-on research experience
• One-on-one mentoring relationship with a faculty member
• The opportunity to learn about graduate school opportunities
• How to apply to research internships and graduate school
• Career advice on what to do after graduation
• Networking opportunities
• Negotiation skills (i.e., the capacity to create value and manage conflicts by addressing all parties’ interests)
• Personal narrative development to guide others to appreciate your value

Undergraduate students who:

•  Have declared (or intend to declare) majors in Computer Science (CS) and/or Engineering
•  Are currently enrolled at UMass Boston or UMass Amherst
•  Have completed two semesters of college with two semesters remaining; relevant experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis

Students receive a stipend of $5,000 for the year during which they’re an IDS Student Fellow.

1. Take part in small mentoring groups with two faculty members in CS or Engineering and learn about post-graduation career options.
2. Commit to a mentored research experience in a faculty member’s lab for 9-12 hours/week for two semesters.
3. Participate in a three-week summer professional development program called the Leadership Academy, a live online program with a cohort of fellow students in tech and engineering. 

IDS Faculty Fellows participate in monthly meetings within a learning community of their peers to discuss and share effective mentoring techniques and systemic challenges. These discussions aim to foster a collaborative environment where faculty can support each other and advocate for continued improvements in how STEM education and research are conducted. Through this, IDS Faculty Fellows are empowered as agents of cultural change within the wider academic community.

IDS Faculty Fellows commit to a year of growth, reflection, and collaboration, reaping numerous professional benefits:

• Enhanced Mentoring Skills: Training through the NIH-funded Culturally Aware Mentoring curriculum.
• Collaborative Learning Community: Regular interactions with peers and colleagues as part of a professional cohort dedicated to refining inclusive mentoring practices.
• Agency in Systemic Change: Opportunities to act as change agents within their departments to foster more equitable practices in graduate admissions.

Engineering and Computer Science faculty members at UMass Amherst and UMass Boston who are:

• Committed to advancing diversity and inclusivity within STEM disciplines.
• Interested in developing robust mentor-mentee relationships.
• Keen to implement and advocate for equitable practices within their departments.

Each IDS Faculty Fellow receives a $5,000 stipend in recognition of their dedication and active contribution to the program's goals.

IDS Faculty Fellows are expected to:

1. Engage in Comprehensive Training: Participate in intensive mentorship training sessions, including the NIH-funded Culturally Aware Mentorship curriculum, focused on culturally responsive teaching and mentorship.
2. Mentor Undergraduate Research: Guide undergraduate IDS Student Fellows through hands-on research experience and academic mentorship.
3. Promote Systemic Change: Serve as ambassadors within their departments and academia as a whole, sharing best practices and insights gained from the program to help shift cultural norms on campus.