Advance your research. Amplify your impact. Shape sustainable futures.
Invested in Impact
Through donor generosity and student innovation, the Africa Center Graduate Student Research Scholarships cultivate the next generation of scholars whose work strengthens sustainable futures across Africa and its diaspora.
Graduate students committed to advancing sustainability are encouraged to apply and contribute to a collaborative vision of inclusive, resilient progress.
Our Mission
The Africa Center fosters social, economic, and environmental sustainability across the African continent and its diaspora by uniting the sciences, arts, business, engineering, and education to advance innovative resilient ecosystems, vibrant communities, and inclusive futures.
The Graduate Student Research Scholarships directly advance this mission by supporting interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges knowledge and action. We encourage research that connects theory to practice, communities to institutions, and innovation to impact.
Research Focus: Sustainability in Africa
The Africa Center seeks proposals that engage critically and creatively with issues of sustainability across the African continent. Sustainability may include (but is not limited to):
- Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Public health and community well-being
- Economic development and equitable growth
- Renewable energy and infrastructure
- Governance, policy, and social innovation
- Cultural sustainability and heritage preservation
Interdisciplinary and cross-sector approaches that unite the sciences, arts, business, engineering, and education are strongly encouraged.
Scholar Recognition & Engagement
Africa Center Graduate Research Scholars become part of a growing community dedicated to advancing innovative, resilient ecosystems and vibrant, inclusive communities. Awardees will:
- Receive formal recognition from the Africa Center
- Present a research poster in the Fall semester
- Contribute to the Center’s broader sustainability initiatives
- Join a network of scholars and partners committed to African research excellence
Submit applications
Email to [email protected]. The deadline is March 27, at 5 pm.
About the Africa Center Graduate Student Research Scholarships
The Africa Center Graduate Student Research Scholarships support innovative, impactful graduate research that advances sustainability across the African continent. Each Spring, the Africa Center awards a $2,500 scholarship recognizing exceptional student commitment to African research excellence and meaningful global impact.
Award Overview:
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Award Cycle: Annually (Spring)
- Research Location: Research may be conducted at CSU or in Africa
- Use of Funds: Tuition, fees, field travel, research equipment, and research supplies
Funds will be deposited directly into the selected student’s university account and may be used to advance approved research activities.
Recipients will present a poster highlighting their research achievements at an Africa Center event during the following Fall semester.
These fellowships are made possible through the generous support of donors who believe in the power of research, education, and collaboration to shape more sustainable and inclusive futures. Their investment enables graduate students to pursue bold ideas, deepen community partnerships, and produce knowledge that matters.
Eligibility:
This scholarship is:
- Open to currently enrolled graduate students
- Available to students from all majors and colleges
- Inclusive of both new and ongoing research projects
If applying with an ongoing project, applicants should clearly describe how this scholarship will add value—whether by expanding the research scope, deepening field engagement, enhancing data collection, strengthening partnerships, or increasing dissemination and impact.
Selection Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on:
1. Relevance to Africa’s Sustainability
The research must demonstrate clear and meaningful significance to social, economic, or environmental sustainability challenges or opportunities within Africa.
2. Excellence in Research Design
Proposals should show exceptional clarity of purpose, strong methodology, and thoughtful engagement with relevant scholarship or community contexts.
3. Quality of Presentation
Applications should be well-organized, compelling, and professional, reflecting high standards of academic rigor and communication.
4. Impact and Contribution
The proposed work should demonstrate potential for tangible impact—whether scholarly, policy-oriented, community-based, or global in reach.