The enduring legacy of slavery, segregation, racism and oppression in America must be addressed systemically. As we stand in the flames of injustice, merely condemning expressions and acts that dehumanize, silence and kill is not enough. We must go beyond and do more. UC Merced (UCM) is fully committed to addressing the systemic conditions that create injustice, a global scourge that has been perpetuated over centuries.
The UC Merced Black Research Fellowship, funded by a private donor, is a fellowship program housed under the Dean of Students Office that provides up to four $2,500 research fellowships for the creation of projects that demonstrate a commitment and ability to advance racial justice and black liberation at UC Merced.
Black Research Fellowship 2025-2026
Eligibility:
- UC Merced undergraduate and graduate students (must have a faculty project advisor), staff, and faculty. Awardess must be in good standing with the university.
- Available for the Fellowship Term: February 2025 - February 2026
- Demostrated committment to and interest in advancing racial justice and black liberation at UC Merced.
UC Merced Black Research Fellowship Requirements:
- Create, implement and complete approved research project by February 2026 demonstrating a commitment to advancing racial justice and black liberation at UC Merced. Projects must be intersectional and address: anti-Blackness, anti-Black violence and policing, historial trauma and radical healing and/or black excellence and success.
- Complete Fellowship Term: February 2025 - February 2026
- Attend periodic 30-min check-ins with the UC Merced Black Research Fellowship Committee throughout fellowship term.
- Le'Trice Curl, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students
- Hala Alnagar, Associate Director for Transition Programs, Bright Success Center
- Destany Charles, Assistant Director, Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs
- Lorena Mejia, Student Success Manager, Division of Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence
- Liana Williams, Coordinator, Black Academic Success Initiatives
- Submit a 2-3pg impact report by February 2026 and Present at the February 2026 Black Excellence Symposium
UC Merced Black Research Fellowship Awardees 2025-2026
Submission Process:
Application Deadline: Closed
For questions about the fellowship, please contact: Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@ucmerced.edu
