Purdue University’s College of Engineering Graduate Education team is inviting applications to the second cohort of GradTrack Scholars. This free, online program prepares underrepresented undergraduate students in their sophomore to senior years for graduate school.

Students from any U.S. institution interested in pursuing a graduate degree in engineering can apply to be a GradTrack Scholar. Participants have exclusive networking opportunities with current Purdue graduate students and the opportunity for a free visit to Purdue’s campus. Insider tips will help participants thrive in their future pursuits of higher education. Whether applying to graduate school or a summer research appointment, GradTrack Scholars finish the program with completed documents for a competitive application.

“Graduate school can be tough, and it is important to surround yourself with a supportive community in order to succeed. On top of that, engineering graduate programs have low numbers of historically underrepresented minority students,” said Jacqueline McDermott, PhD, associate director of Graduate Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Engineering. “GradTrack was created to bridge this gap and develop a mentoring community, sharing specific content and connecting current Purdue Engineering graduate students with undergraduate students from across the country who are interested in pursuing their graduate studies.”

The deadline to apply is April 22, and scholars are notified of their acceptance in May. Mandatory meetings begin online in August. Click here to apply.

“The uniqueness of this online program allows our scholars to connect from anyplace in the country. They can connect with each other and with our graduate student mentors,” said Janet Beagle, PhD, senior director of Graduate Programs in the College of Engineering. “This program not only teaches the technical who, what, and how of applying to graduate school, but also provides a supportive environment that we hope will continue long after the program ends.”

GradTrack has an intentional focus and mission: to broaden representation in engineering graduate programs and future work force development. For eligibility requirements and more details about the program, visit the GradTrack web page (www.engr.purdue.edu/GradTrack).