PURPOSE: The purpose of DFI is to diversify the faculties and professional staffs of higher education institutions in the State of Illinois, with the major emphasis being placed on the diversification of faculty.

ELIGIBILITY: An applicant must be: (1) an Illinois resident; (2) a member of a traditionally underrepresented minority group; (3) above average academic ability; and (4) demonstrate financial need.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Each award provides between $12,500 and $14,000 for full-time enrollment annually. Award recipients in doctoral programs are eligible for up to four years of support. Those in master’s or professional degree programs may receive awards for up to two years.

CONDITIONS: Upon graduation or separation from the DFI institution, an award recipient must agree to actively seek and accept when offered a teaching or non-teaching full-time appointment at an Illinois postsecondary educational institution, or accept a position as an employee of this state in an administrative, educational-related position, equal to the number of years for which he or she receives the DFI fellowship. Students failing to fulfill this condition of the award shall be required to repay 20% of their cumulative award amount, subject to revision by the DFI Program Board.

Complete information and applications are available at http://www.dfi.siu.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15

For Questions/Information contact Kimberly Nance, Associate Director of Graduate Studies, 309-438-2583.