Sloan Scholars Program

Supporting the Next Generation of STEM Researchers and Leaders

The Sloan Scholars Program invests in the success of promising doctoral students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by bringing together students, faculty and academic departments to advance lasting improvements in graduate education and create an environment where individual scholars can thrive. It does this through financial support, meaningful mentorship, professional development and a strong scholarly community.

This program was launched in 2026 with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Sloan Centers for Systemic Change initiative, a national effort to strengthen doctoral education by identifying and addressing institutional and departmental barriers to student success, and is administered by the Graduate School in partnership with participating colleges and departments.

The Sloan Scholar Experience

The Sloan Scholars Program offers more than financial support. Scholars become part of a community committed to academic excellence, meaningful mentorship, professional growth and shared success. 

Through that community and professional development opportunities, scholars can build connections across disciplines, develop skills for a range of career pathways, and access resources that support their progress toward the doctoral degree.

The program also creates opportunities for students to contribute their perspectives and experiences to ongoing efforts to strengthen graduate education at CU Boulder. 

  • Financial Support: Annual scholarship funding ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for up to four years, made possible through the generous support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Graduate School and university donors.
  • Mentorship and Advising: Access to multiple levels of faculty mentorship and guidance throughout the doctoral experience.
  • Professional and Leadership Development: Opportunities to strengthen research, leadership, communication and career readiness skills.
  • Community and Connection: Participation in a supportive cohort of fellow scholars, with opportunities to build relationships across disciplines.
  • Professional Networks: Connections with faculty, peers and the broader Sloan Scholars community. Access to the Sloan Scholars Network.
  • Resources for Student Success: Access to university programs and services that support academic progress, well-being and professional achievement.

Advancing STEM Graduate Education

As a designated Sloan Center for Systemic Change, CU Boulder brings together the Graduate School, academic departments, faculty and campus partners to strengthen STEM doctoral education. Through the Sloan Scholars Program, the university provides financial support, mentorship, professional development and community-building opportunities to individual scholars while advancing sustainable institutional improvements that benefit graduate students across participating programs.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Strengthening Mentorship and Advising: Promoting supportive, transparent mentoring practices that strengthen faculty-student relationships, clarify expectations and guide students throughout their doctoral journey.
  • Supporting Student Success and Degree Progress: Addressing barriers to academic progress, persistence and degree completion while improving access to guidance and resources.
  • Building Community and Belonging: Fostering meaningful connections among students, faculty, and peers within and across disciplines.
  • Expanding Professional Development: Developing leadership, communication, research and career readiness skills that prepare students for diverse career paths.
  • Improving Graduate Education Practices: Collaborating with departments to evaluate policies, practices and student experiences and implement evidence-informed improvements.
  • Promoting Lasting Institutional Change: Using student feedback, program experiences and assessment findings to inform sustainable improvements beyond the Sloan Scholars Program.

Recognizing that graduate student success depends on both individual achievement and supportive academic environments, the program combines direct investment in scholars with a commitment to institutional improvement. Through these efforts, CU Boulder aims to strengthen STEM doctoral education and create lasting opportunities for current and future scholars.

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Eligibility and Participating Programs

The Sloan Scholars Program supports incoming doctoral students who have been admitted to participating STEM programs at CU Boulder and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Eligible doctoral programs include:

  • Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
  • Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Integrative Physiology

 

Application and Selection Process

Incoming doctoral students admitted to participating programs will receive an invitation to apply for the Sloan Scholars Program.

Invitations are typically sent in early spring, although specific timelines may vary by department. Students should watch for communications from the Graduate School regarding application details and deadlines.

For questions about the Sloan Scholars Program, contact the CU Boulder Graduate School's Sloan Scholars Program at CU_SC2@colorado.edu.