Program Overview

Introduction to the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) is a program committed to broadening the range of scholarly perspectives in the US academy, with a focus on the humanities and the humanistic social sciences. Established in the 1988/1989 academic year, the program honors Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, a noted African American educator, statesman, minister, former president of Morehouse College, and mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Program Description

The MMUF program is designed to support students both financially and academically in order to prepare them to apply for PhD programs in the humanities and related disciplines. The program offers various benefits, including financial support and academic guidance, to help students achieve their academic goals.

Financial Support

• Waiver of in-state tuition (excluding fees) for 2 years
• Living Stipend each semester for 2 years
• Two years of summer stipend (currently $4,500) to support research projects
• Funds to cover GRE preparation and application fees for doctoral programs

Academic Support

The academic strength of the program is based on three key components:

1. Professionalization: Preparing students for academic careers through various activities and mentorship.
2. Transmitting Experience through Mentorship and Peer Support: Providing students with mentorship and peer support to guide them through their academic journey.
3. Illuminating Pathways from Undergraduate to Graduate School: Helping students navigate the transition from undergraduate to graduate school.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the MMUF program, students must:

• Be seriously considering graduate study and attaining a Ph.D.
• Contribute to MMUF's goals of advancing a broad range of scholarly perspectives
• Be sophomores, transfer students with two years remaining, or juniors intending to spend an extra year completing their degree
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.3, with the intention of raising it to a 3.5 within the first semester of the program
• Major in one of the following Mellon-designated fields:
  • Humanities: Art History, Classics, English, Film, Cinema and Media Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures, History, Linguistics, Literature, Musicology, Ethnomusicology and Music Theory, Performance Studies, Philosophy, Religion and Theology, Theater
  • Social Sciences: Anthropology, Area/Cultural/Ethnic/Gender Studies, Geography and Population Studies, Sociology, Political Theory

Application Process

Eligible students are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2026. The application must include:

1. A writing sample with professor's comments (no more than 15 pages)
2. A 750-word essay on research interests and interest in the mission of the program
3. An unofficial transcript
4. Resume/CV
5. Two letters of recommendation from faculty

Loan Repayment

MMUF fellows are eligible for repayment of up to $10,000 of educational loans. The loan repayment process involves the Mellon Foundation working with the undergraduate institution's financial aid office to disburse repayment funds.

Research Opportunities

Students are required to give presentations at the annual NYC Regional MMUF conference. The MMUF program can also offer additional financial support to fellows who conduct relevant research during the summer, attend summer academic programs, and conferences for aspiring scholars.

Conclusion

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship is a prestigious program that provides financial and academic support to students pursuing PhD programs in the humanities and related disciplines. With its rich history, comprehensive benefits, and rigorous application process, the MMUF program is an excellent opportunity for students to achieve their academic goals and become scholars and professionals of the highest distinction.