Diversity and outreach programs within the Genetics Department expand the recruiting efforts and activities for diverse students within the Stanford Genome Training Program, and foster the pipeline of diversity students going into genomics and the biosciences. The Stanford School of Medicine has a strategic commitment to increasing diversity of not just the student body, but of trainees, faculty and staff, as indicated in their case for diversity and leadership.

With a Genetics Diversity Office committed distinctively on diversity we have streamlined direct recruitment efforts (click on link for calendar of events) and retention programming. This includes expanding Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP – Amgen Scholars Program) summer research opportunities, and piloting the Genetics and Bioscience Diversity Annual Retreat, and STANDOUT a two-day workshop for program officers and directors across universities in preparing diverse students including underrepresented minorities for admittance to selective graduate and doctoral programs. Genetics outreach efforts also extend to the community at large, through Stanford at the Tech, and Ask a Geneticist.

Outreach

Genetics students, faculty, and diversity staff travel across the country to universities and conferences such as ABRCMS and SACNAS inviting undergraduate students to learn about what Stanford has to offer in terms of diversity in education, experience, and lifestyle. We discuss what Stanford and the Genetics Department is like, what we are looking for in a student, how to apply to the graduate program, and what it is like once you get here.

Retention

Student groups are also very active and involved here at Stanford. There are several graduate student groups geared towards diversity, in addition to groups geared towards post-doctoral fellows. Through these groups, many students find the support and student advice they seek when coming to a new university or graduate program. These groups initiate workshops, career-networking events, and social events as a way to bring students together and to pass on lessons learned, some not necessarily from a textbook.  We invite you to learn more about the many groups you can join on the diversity resources page.

California Life

Overall, Stanford is a great place to learn and live. Palo Alto has incredibly fantastic weather, with mild-moderate temperatures in the all year round. Palo Alto is only a short drive away from San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Oakland and Berkeley and located in the heart of Silicon Valley within 20 miles of high-tech companies such as Genentech, Google, and HP. In addition to Stanford, there are 11 major research universities and laboratories in the Bay Area. A spirit of innovation, high standards of performance and entrepreneurship are what make Stanford a really exciting place for graduate school. The resources and networking opportunities are endless.

Funding

Graduate school tuition is completely covered. You even get a stipend, which is a approximately $30,000 for the 2011 -12 year. Additionally, medical insurance is covered and dental insurance costs are reimbursed by the university.

We hope that you are encouraged to consider the Genetics PhD program at Stanford for your graduate career.

Creating A Diverse Community of Scholars

As a campus community committed to diversity, we are committed and equipped to engage with our future and prospective students in a meaningful and productive partnership. We hope that you explore the website to learn more about the culture of Stanford University and the unparallel opportunities for students, post-docs, educators, administrators, and researchers in all disciplines of science.

If you are interested in receiving more information about the Genetics PhD program, or SSRP please feel free to contact Anita Blanco, Director of Diversity Recruitment and Engagement at diversityingenetics@stanford.edu. Additionally, if you are interested in visiting Stanford University, or if you would like us to visit your school, please let us know and we will see how you can be accommodated.