The PUURPLE Scholars Program educates underserved students in, and contributes to, the science, teaching, and practice of psychology, by supporting the Department’s goals for inclusive excellence. The PUURPLE Scholars Program will help dismantle historical barriers to the success of underserved students, paving the way for their future leadership, inclusion, and academic excellence.

Students who are historically underserved at JMU, transfer students, Federal Pell Grant recipients, international students, and first-generation college students are eligible to apply. Students who successfully progress from the spring to the fall of the program will receive a $1200 scholarship at the beginning of fall 2024.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Krisztina Jakobsen (jakobskv@jmu.edu). Please include “PUURPLE Scholars Spring 2024” in the email subject line.

The application period has closed for the 2024 cohort. Check back in fall 2024 for the application for the 2025 cohort!

Eligibility

• Students who are historically underserved at JMU, transfer students, Federal Pell Grant recipients, international students, and first-generation college students.
• Students must be fully admitted to the psychology major.
• Students who previously participated in the SREUU program are not eligible.
• Preference will be given for students who completed PSYC 211 or PSYC 213 during summer 2023 or fall 2023, OR students who will be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 211 or PSYC 213 during spring 2024.

Components

After completing the program, students should:

• be able to identify and seek out access to opportunities in the department and beyond (e.g., independent study in teaching, research, field placement/internships, graduate school and careers).
• be aware of the academic and personal skills for thriving within and outside of academia (e.g., professional communication, time management, getting involved, reflecting on identifying and overcoming barriers, leveraging leadership style).

The experience includes:

• Participating in a 2-credit PSYC 200 in spring 2024, that meets on Wednesdays 3:00-4:40 in Miller 1109. These cohort meetings will focus on training and professional development.
• Participating in a 1-credit PSYC 200 in fall 2024 + experience, such as teaching, research, or field work.
• $1200 scholarship at the beginning of fall 2024.