In conjunction with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the MIT UCEM program works to broaden underrepresented minority students (URM) in STEM programs. The Sloan Foundation’s goal is to strengthen the talent pool and increase equitable opportunities across the nation. The Sloan Scholarship program supports underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students, defined by Sloan as U.S. citizens who are African American, Latinx, and/or American Indian/Alaskan Native. During the grant period, underrepresented and underserved students will be recruited and funded with departmental assistantships and/or fellowships; and supplemental support provided by Sloan Scholarships.

Incoming students do not apply to the UCEM program but are nominated by their department. Any questions about funding support or application process should be directed to the MIT UCEM Leadership Team.

Students must have been offered admission to a doctoral program in one of the following Sloan-participating departments/units:

• Biological Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Health Science and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering

Students who are seeking first-time PhD-level admission to MIT during the Fall admissions cycle are eligible. Currently-enrolled MIT graduate students who have completed their M.S. in one of the UCEM departments, and transferring to the Ph.D. program the following Fall can also be considered.

The Sloan MPhD Program requires that students must self-identify as African-American, Latinx, or American Indian/Alaska Native, and be U.S. citizens. (Permanent residents do not qualify.)

The Sloan UCEM Program and scholarships have only fall start dates.

Scholarships are not transferrable to another institution. Continuation of the Sloan scholarship competitions is contingent on successful grant renewal.

Funding Commitment: The UCEM departments must commit to providing a waiver-generating appointment to each Sloan Scholar for the duration they are in the program, provided the student is making satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. This appointment may be through an assistantship, a fellowship, or a combination of both. 

Admissions Data: MIT departments will be asked to share current admissions data with the UCEM Program Leadership Team. This information should include the number of applicants, offers, accepts by domestic/international, male/female, and non-URM and underrepresented minorities URM (African American, Latinx, Native American)

MIT departments must submit the following materials to the UCEM Leadership Team:

• Ranking. Departments may nominate up to 8 students that meet the Sloan Foundation eligibility requirements in rank order of nomination. 
• Recruitment and Retention Plans. Departments will also be asked to describe their plans for recruiting, retaining, and mentoring URM students toward Ph.D. degree completion.
• GradApply Applications. Each nominee’s GradApply application must be sent to the UCEM Leadership Team.