UCB CREEO-HBCU Program Overview & Highlights

Program Overview

  • Goal: Broaden the PhD pathway for HBCU students
  • Who: 2nd–3rd year undergraduates from HBCUs (Morehouse & Talladega)
  • Students interested in: PhD programs in education or the social sciences, and topical areas that examine recruitment, support, and retention for teachers of color as well as access and success in higher education.
  • Key themes offered that students will engage in throughout the summer:
  1. Introduction to UC Berkeley CREEO & Navigating Campus Resources

    • Learn about CREEO’s mission to advance equity in education.

    • Connect with UC Berkeley’s graduate pathways, resources, and academic community.

    • Explore CREEO’s programs, research projects, and support network.

  2. Research Skill Development

    • 2A: Research Mentorship & Engagement – 1:1 guidance from CREEO faculty Drs. Travis Bristol and Tolani Britton, GSRs, and Postdocs.

    • 2B: Qualitative Methods Training – Six-week CER Summer Workshop with hands-on research design and execution.

  3. Graduate Admissions Readiness

    • Workshops on graduate applications and writing strong Statements of Purpose.

    • Guidance from BSE alumni, graduate students, faculty, and staff.

    • Support from UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division & Student Services.

  4. Community-Building & Social Activities

    • Social dinners, team-building, and Bay Area cultural experiences.

    • Joint events with UC Berkeley’s Inclusive Excellence Summer Research Program.

    • Lasting mentorship from CREEO faculty, and forging relationships beyond summer.

  • Timeline: Late May–Early July 2026 (~7 weeks)
  • Support: Travel, housing, and a $5,000 summer stipend provided

Program Highlights

UC Berkeley CREEO-HBCU Fellows will receive:

  • Mentorship from Drs. Travis Bristol and Tolani Britton and their research teams

  • Research training through hands-on projects and workshops at the Center for Ethnographic Research (CER) at the Institute for Study of Societal Issues (ISSI)

  • Graduate school preparation with a focus on PhD pathways 

  • Community-building opportunities with peers and UC Berkeley Scholars, and the Graduate Division’s: Inclusive Excellence Summer Research Experience

  • Collaboration across UC Berkeley with the School of Education, Graduate Division: Office of Diversity, and CER at ISSI and more!

Questions? Email creeo@berkeley.edu