Continuing Students (Renewal / Reapplicants)

Frederick Douglass Doctoral Scholars Assistantship

The Frederick Douglass Doctoral Scholars Assistantship is awarded to eligible new/incoming Ph.D. students pursuing rigorous doctoral research/scholarship (renewable for current Douglass Doctoral Scholars). The assistantship is open to eligible students pursuing doctoral studies in any program of study within the Graduate School. The Frederick Douglass Doctoral Scholars Assistantship award is offered on a competitive basis upon recommendation by the candidate’s prospective department and the Financial Aid Advisory Committee. 

Funding type: Assistantship 
Degree: Ph.D. 
Audience: Current Douglass Scholars seeking renewal
Deadline (Only for Continuing Students): Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET 

What the Award Is

Award (AY 2026-2027):

  • Full tuition (student fees not included)
  • $24,000 stipend (Fall & Spring)
  • Renewable for up to 3 years (with continued eligibility)
  • Year 4 tuition-only support possible for students who have achieved candidacy

Who Should Reapply

Current Douglass Scholars in good standing who wish to renew support (up to 3 years total; see year-4 note above).

To remain eligible, scholars must:

  • Fulfill assistantship duties (15 hrs/week research or TA each term)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
  • Participate in Annual Research Month
  • Maintain progress toward degree and meet award terms
  • Refrain from outside employment

How to Apply (3 Steps)

*You must complete/submit both the online funding renewal form and PDF funding renewal application (Part 1 and Part 2) below for your application to be considered complete.

Complete Part 1 and 2 of the Funding Application (Steps 1 and 2)*

Due: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (Current Douglass Scholars seeking renewal)

  • Step One:  Complete and Submit Online: Part 1: Online Funding Renewal Form (Click button below)
  • Step Two: Download & Complete the Part 2: PDF Funding Renewal Application (Click button below)
     
Part 1: Online Funding Renewal Form Part 2: PDF Funding Renewal Application
Email your Single PDF Application (Step 3)

Due: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (Current Douglass Scholars seeking renewal)

Your one PDF must include:

  • Completed Part 2: PDF Funding Renewal Application
  • Any required progress updates per form instructions (e.g., milestones)

Email Submission Instructions

PDF File-Naming: Use the part of your email address before the "@" sign (no periods)

  • Example: If your email is graduateschool@howard.edu, name the PDF file graduateschool.

Email Subject Line: Reapply Douglass Award
Send to: graduateschool@howard.edu 
Application Due: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET 

Timeline

  • Forms available: Oct 1, 2025
  • Application due: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
  • Decision notification: by Mar 1, 2026 (via email)

Helpful Notes