Guided by the spirit and legacy of distinguished orator and statesman Frederick Douglass,
the Frederick Douglass Institute at PASSHE is committed to creating inclusive university
communities and transformative connections. The FDI creates innovative programs to
achieve optimal outcomes for underrepresented minority students at the undergraduate,
graduate, and postdoctoral levels and to facilitate their progress toward meaningful
careers.
The State System has an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It endeavors not only to be a national model but a global model for inclusive excellence.
Faculty Fellows
The State System seeks to foster an innovative curriculum and instructional environment. The State System is committed to the recruitment, retention and professional development of a diverse faculty. As such, the State System is focused on advancing the hiring and success of underrepresented minorities, a commitment that is reflected in the Board of Governors five strategic priorities.
The State System offers teaching fellowships to graduate students who are pursuing careers as university faculty and who are entering the final year of terminal degree and/or doctoral programs.
Frederick Douglass Teaching Scholars Fellowships are designed to provide teaching and other professional experiences, mentoring, and potential tenure track employment opportunities within universities that are strongly committed to cultural diversity. Applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those from historically underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.
Contact dei@passhe.edu with any questions.
Student Scholars
Several studies point to the positive benefits of a diverse student body regarding educational outcomes. In other words, all students learn better when the student body is diverse. Pennsylvania is becoming more diverse, and we must support our commonwealth citizens, regardless of their means or backgrounds. This critical support will ensure that our students graduate and serve their neighbors in our communities. Our graduates are leaders. They become professionals who serve in various capacities as innovative, compassionate problem solvers.
As an FDI student scholar, you are committing to becoming the best version of yourself. It means recognizing that we have a lifetime to continue learning and serving our neighbors. An FDI student scholar commits to the ideals of curiosity, service, learning, and courage.
One flagship program is the Douglass Debate Society. This program engages first-generation, low-income, and students of color in high-impact educational opportunities. Through competitive debate, undergraduates across the State System will develop leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills that are cornerstones of success.
Students can apply to be an FDI student scholar with the Frederick Douglass Director on their campus.