About the iSEED Graduate Scholars Program

Competitive funding will be offered to a select number of exceptional first year PhD students from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and under-resourced communities, including first-generation students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree) and students from low-income backgrounds (i.e. Pell-eligible as undergraduates), who have experienced barriers to higher education, especially in the STEM fields within the participating schools.

Application Process

  • There is not a separate application for the iSEED Graduate Scholars program.
  • Prospective PhD students interested in becoming an iSEED Graduate scholar should first apply to a PhD program within one of the 7 participating schools at UB, by visiting their websites and following specific instructions.

Personal Statement

  • When discussing your career goals in your personal statement, mention your interest in and reasons for becoming an iSEED scholar.
  • Please describe any financial or other barriers/challenges experienced over the course of your higher education journey.
  • Potential iSEED Graduate Scholars are then nominated by the participating PhD programs once they have been accepted to their program.