Course(s) Offered: Diverse disciplines
Course Level: Graduate (research, degree, etc)
Provider: U.S Government
Country to Study in: USA
Scholarship Description
The University of Michigan (U-M) African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) program brings early- career faculty from African universities to Ann Arbor for residencies lasting up to six months.
Scholars are paired with a faculty mentor during their stay and have full access to U-M’s resources to further their work on a research project, an academic degree, publications, grant proposal, or other relevant activity.
The program supports the development of the next generation of African scholars by integrating them into international academic networks, and it internationalizes U-M by generating research and teaching collaborations across diverse disciplines, from engineering to African literature.
Eligibility
In the past, UMAPS accepted only candidates from Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, and Uganda. Starting 2014, applications will be accepted from candidates in all other African countries, provided they already have a pre-existing established relationship with a University of Michigan faculty member who agrees to be the candidate’s mentor and recommend them to the program.
Eligibility Requirements for ALL applicants:
- Preference given to early career members of the faculty who have taught in the higher education system for less than ten years.
Early career faculty means faculty who have taught in the higher education system for less than ten years - Applicants may or may not have received their PhD
1). GHANA, LIBERIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR UGANDA:
- Must be a faculty member of a college or university in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa or Uganda.
- The applicant must be a faculty member of a college or university in an African country and must have a pre-existing established relationship with a U-M faculty member who agrees to be the candidate’s mentor.
- A letter of recommendation from the sponsoring U-M faculty. The letter must include a confirmation from the U-M faculty of his/her willingness to: (1) serve as a mentor during the length of the UMAPS residency should the applicant be selected; (2) commit to meet regularly, minimum of twice a month, with the prospective participant; (3) provide an office space for the prospective applicant within the U-M faculty’s home department (shared space is acceptable)
All letters must be sent directly to the African Studies Center.
Candidates from ALL African countries
Participating Institutions
African Studies Center, School of Social Work, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; USA
Fields of study
Applications are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines/schools, and especially encourage applications that align with the following initiatives:
- African Heritage: research on how cultural assets in Africa are historicized, authenticated, accessed and circulated.
- African Social Research: quantitative social scientific research on economic, urbanization, gender, governance, demographics, public health and environmental change.
- STEM-Africa: research in the domains of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics.
Specific number of awards is NOT specified
Sponsorship duration
Residencies may last up to six months
Scholarship benefits
Award Details:
- African scholars will be provided with round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Scholars will receive a stipend to cover living, housing, and research expenses during their tenure at the University of Michigan
- Scholars will begin their residency in late August
- Each scholar will be asked to give a presentation on their work during the residency
- The scholarship may be combined with other scholarships or funds to support an extended stay
Method of Application
To apply, all applicants must submit:
- A completed application form (either online or pdf download from official website)
- A curriculum vitae
- A letter of support from the head of department, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution
- A scholarly program proposal, not to exceed five pages (see Guidance on the Research Proposal)
Alternatively, you may print your applications. Hard copies can be mailed to the following address:
Director, African Studies Center – UMAPS
The University of Michigan, International Institute
1080 S. University Ave, Suite 3603, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109-1106
It is important to visit the official web site (link to it is below) for complete information on how to apply.
DEADLINES:
The application period is from August 15 - October 15 every year.
PLEASE NOTE:
Priority will be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Promotion of gender equity in the current class of scholars and in the African academy will also be prioritized. Applicants who already have significant international experience will not be favored.
Application Deadline: 15 October 2014
Open to International Applicants: No (ONLY Africa)
More Scholarship Information and Application
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