UNM El Centro de la Raza - University of New Mexico

UNM El Centro de la Raza
El Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016
What is El Puente Fellows Program?
Over the last twelve years El Puente Fellows Research Program
under El Centro de la Raza continues to support students
from multiple academic areas promoting undergraduate
research experience. El Puente Fellows Program offers a
select group of 20 undergraduates a two-semester program
with the intention to prepare them for future educational opportunities at the graduate level. This
structured program will provide the opportunity to work closely with graduate mentors, faculty and
increase understanding and experience of academic research. This fellowship will take your
educational experience to the next level and better prepare you for future opportunities in the
academic and professional worlds.
As an El Puente Fellow, the Instructional Team will guide you closely through your research
experience. With guidance, you will identify and engage in research project of your interest for the
fall and spring semesters. El Puente gives you the opportunity to understand and connect critical
issues in your community to your field of study. You will present your research findings in a formal
academic conference. During the program, El Puente Fellows will participate in mandatory seminars
conducted during fall and spring semesters. The seminars focus on providing you the knowledge and
tools to begin the research process, develop a research proposal and prepare you to apply to
graduate schools.
You will also have the opportunity to grow as a community of scholars with the other El Puente
Fellows. As your research projects develops you will have the seminar space to rely on your
colleagues for input and critiques. Most importantly, all the fellows are on similar journeys toward
professional development and/or a graduate degree. It is important to note that prior research
experience is not necessary.
DACA-eligible, Non DACA eligible, and Dreamers students are encourage to apply.
We look forward to having you join the legacy of El Centro scholars and partner with you in your
journey of academic excellence and development.
Contact: Dayra Fallad at El Centro de la Raza for more information.
505-277-5020 or dfallad@unm.edu
Priority deadline for completed applications to be submitted is:
June 26, 2015
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UNM El Centro de la Raza
El Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016
Benefits:
•Experience academic research.
•Graduate School exploration, preparation and site visits.
•Engage with faculty.
•Work closely with a graduate mentor.
•Engage with a prestigious community of scholars.
•Develop excellent research writing, reading skills and critical thinking.
•Understand and connect critical issues in your community to your field of study.
Scholarship:

$2,000 award for completion of fellowship requirements
o ($1,000 Fall and $1,000 Spring).
Requirements:
With guidance and support fellows are expected to complete the following
capstone projects during the 2015-2016 fellowship:





Develop a research proposal
Develop a Literature Review
Research Presentation
Develop a Letter of Intent for graduate school
Participate in all required seminars and activities.
Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for acceptance into the
fellowship:
 Enrolled at UNM for Fall 2015 & Spring 2016
 Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
 Undergraduate student with a minimum of 30 credit hours (completed or in progress at
time of application).
 Able to commit to one academic year ( Fall and Spring) and 10 hours weekly
 Must meet 1 of 3 of the following criteria:
o Member of an underrepresented ethnic group in higher education
o First generation college student
o Qualify as low income
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UNM El Centro de la Raza
El Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016
El Puente Fellows Program Application Checklist
We encourage you to take time and care in completing this application. Make sure that
all information provides us with the best representation of your interest and goals.
All application materials MUST be complete in order to have your application
reviewed.
These materials include:
Completed and Signed Application Form (pages 4-5)
Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts from all colleges & universities attended)
Resume
Typed Personal Statement
 1-3 pages in length
 Times New Roman font, 1.5 spaced
Please address the following in your personal statement letter:
1 Briefly discuss your personal background: Include family history, socioeconomic background, community and educational history.
2 Discuss your research interests, educational goals and career
objectives.
3 What do you expect to gain and learn from this fellowship?
4 Why is this opportunity important to you personally.
1 Professional Letter of Recommendation (see page 6)
Income Documentation (see page 7)- Copy 2015-2016 FAFSA or Fill out income form
Submit your completed application packet to
(with the exception of letter of reccomendation) :
El Centro de la Raza
1153 Mesa Vista Hall, MSC06 3830
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
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UNM El Centro de la Raza El
Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016
Application Form
Date:
Name:
Phone:
Last,
First
MI
Permanent Address:
Street
City,
State
Zip
Mailing Address:
Street
City,
Telephone #
State
Zip
E-Mail Address:
UNM ID #
Undergraduate Major:
Expected Graduation Date:
Minor:
(Month/Year)
Class Level:
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Credit Hours: _
GPA:
_
Describe Your Race or Ethnic Identity: (Select all categories that apply)
Asian
African American
Hispanic/Latino (a)
White
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Other:
What is the highest level of education completed by your parent/s and/or guardian?
Mother:
Elementary
Middle School
High School
College
Father:
Elementary
Middle School
High School
College
Are you the first in your immediate family to attend college?
Yes
No
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UNM El Centro de la Raza
El Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016
Application Form
Did you complete a 2015-2016 FAFSA?
Yes
No
Estimated household income:
(You and your parents if uner24 years of age)
Are you Pell Grant eligible for the 2015-2016 academic year?
Yes
No
List the extracurricular activities you will be involved in the 2015-2016 academic year.
Briefly indicate your specific experience with the following:
(The answers to these will not affect your entrance to the program)
Have you thought about applying to graduate school?
Degree Objective:
Masters
Doctoral
Prior Research Assistant experience?
Yes
Yes
Professional
No
Unsure
Unsure
No
Speak/Read/Write in a language other than English?
Yes
No
If yes which one/s:
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UNM El Centro de la Raza
El Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016
Letter of Recommendation Guidelines Form
Thank you for taking the time to nominate this student to be a part of the 2015-2016
El Puente Fellows Program. This is a very competitive undegraduate research program
hosted at the University of New Mexico El Centro de la Raza.
In a separate document please:
1. Describe your relationship with the student: whether you have taught him or her in a
lecture class, in independent study, in a laboratory course, through a research project, or
have interacted with the student in some other manner.
2. Please also comment on the student's: motivation, how quickly s/he learns and ability
to seek & take advice from others. Also, please address how you think s/he can benefit
and contribute to an undergraduate research program.
Please submit your letter of recommendation no later than June 26, 2015 by 5pm.
Please email your letter of reccomendation directly to:
Dayra Fallad at dfallad@unm.edu
Subject: EP Letter of Recommendation (Student's Name)
For any questions please contact:
Dayra Fallad
Student Programs Specialist, El Centro de la Raza
505-277-5020
dfallad@unm.edu
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EL Puente Fellows Program
2015-2016 Application
Financial Information Alternative Form
Please fill out form completely and to the best of your ability.
Applicants Name (First, Last) ___________________ ___________________
Address
____________________________________________________________________________
Number of individuals in household ___________________
Household Income ___________________
Estimated College Expenses
for the 2015-2016 Academic Year
Tuition and Fees
Books and Supplies
Room and Board
Local
Transportation
Medical Insurance
Estimated Income to Cover Costs
for the 2015-2016 Academic Year
$___________________ Student’s
Income
$___________________ Spouse’s
Contribution
$___________________ Parental
Support
$___________________ Savings
$___________________ Other
Scholarships
Other expenses (list)
Grants (Pell,
state etc.)
$__________________ $__________________ Student Loans
$__________________ $__________________ Other
Total Expenses
$__________________ Total Income
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
$__________________
I certify that the income information provided is true to my knowledge. I
understand that this information may be used for data collection purposes
and reports created by El Centro de la Raza, but my identity will be kept
confidential.
_______________________________
Signature
_________________
Date
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