Bunche Fellows Program 2027-2028

The Bunche Fellows Program is a faculty-led research and mentorship initiative with a mission to center and expand the study of Black life. The program supports undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellows, as well as faculty mentors, from across UCLA’s disciplines to pursue original research that is informed by, relevant to, or shaped by the experiences of Black communities. Through rigorous, community-centered scholarship, fellows explore the many dimensions of Black life – from politics, culture, and art to health, economics, education, and the biological sciences – advancing new knowledge that deepens understanding and drives impact.

Undergraduate BFP Fellows work on faculty-led research projects, take four research courses, and receive up to $12,000 for the fellowship year.

All students from all majors are welcome to apply. Application for the fellowship opens in December of each calendar year.

Recipients of the fellowship are matched with a Faculty Mentor and required to take four research courses, on per quarter, of their fellowship year (fall quarter through summer session A) with BFP Faculty Co-Directors, Dr. Ketema Paul and Dr. Courtney Thomas Tobin.

Undergraduate Fellowship Qualifications:

  • Full-time student status in 2027-2028
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • A strong interest in African American Studies
  • A commitment to developing research and analytical skills

Award
up to $12,000 per year
Deadline
02/28/2027
Supplemental Questions
  1. BLACK STUDIES: What is the importance of studying Black life past, present, and future? Write at least 150 words, but no more than 300 words.
  2. WRITING SAMPLE: Please include a writing sample. The subject should be related to Black Studies (broadly defined).
  3. RESEARCH INTEREST: Please specify a research topic you are interested in studying and why it interests you. Write at least 250 words, but no more than 450 words.
  4. CV/RESUME: Please provide a CV or Resume.
  5. LETTER OF REFERENCE: Please provide the name and e-mail of a faculty member who will provide a letter of reference