Penn State Offers Education Doctoral Fellowships

February 2000

University Park, Pa. --Penn State is offering graduate fellowships to American Indian and Alaska Native students interested in doctoral level training in special education or educational administration.

The program is affiliated with Penn State's nationally recognized American Indian Leadership Program. The fellowships are supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The purpose of the program is to prepare American Indian/Alaska Natives to be leaders in special education by completing doctoral degree programs in either special education or educational administration. Focus will be on special education, educational administration, leadership, policy, and Indian education.

Students will attend seminars in which special education and administration competencies will be developed. Program components include: analysis and synthesis of issues pertinent to American Indian education, development of research proposals dealing with American Indian special education and administration, and the dissemination of research findings. Students will participate in summer practicum settings dealing with American Indian special education and administration issues. Leadership development and Indian education will also be a constant focus of the program.

Participants who complete the program will receive a doctorate in special education or educational administration. Program graduates will be qualified to assume leadership positions in schools, tribes, colleges and universities, or professional organizations that provide special education services to American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for submitting applications is April 20 for Fall Semester 2000 and Nov. 20 for Spring Semester 20001. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of approximately $1,000 per month, tuition, textbooks and relocation allowances.

Dr. Anna Gajar, professor of special education, and Dr. John Tippeconnic III, professor of education, are co-directors of the program. For more information contact Dr. Gajar, 226B Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802, (814) 863-2284; or Dr. Tippeconnic, American Indian Leadership Program, 207 Rackely Building, University Park, PA 16802; or at (814) 863-1626.

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Contact:

Vicki Fong (814) 865-9481 (o)/ (814) 238-1221 (h)