Holmes Scholars Program

The Holmes Scholars Program, part of the Office of Student Success and Global Engagement, supports doctoral students in Purdue University’s College of Education whose scholarship focuses on increasing educational access and academic success for all students. This initiative fosters a leadership pipeline, preparing future practitioners to shape educational practices as faculty, administrators, and leaders.

Benefits for Scholars

• National Network: Access to a peer and alumni network, online communities.
  • Mentorship: From alumni and faculty during all program stages.
• Conferences & Professional Development:
  • Present research at national AACTE meetings.
  • Attend a dedicated pre-conference at the AACTE Annual Meeting.
  • Participate in the summer Policy Institute in Washington, DC (includes Day on the Hill).
• Career Support:
  • Participate in the Holmes Career Fair.
  • Engagement with research retreats focused on dissertation development.
  • Year‑round webinars on topics like grant writing, career advancement, academic writing, mental health, and job preparation.
• Funding Opportunities:
  • Support for national event attendance (transportation, lodging, meals).
  • Fellowships such as dissertation funding and specialized scholarships.

Scholar Commitments

• Serve a 3-year term (doctoral/post‑doctoral).
• Annual engagement:
  • Attend the AACTE Annual Meeting and Holmes Pre-conference.
    • Submit research proposals for national meeting presentations.
  • Engage in at least one additional academic conference (e.g., AERA).
    • Present at poster, job-talk, or dissertation funding events.
  • Develop and implement a research or advocacy project.

Program Highlights

• Research & Dissertation Retreat
  • Focused support for dissertation milestones.
• Career Fair
  • Matches scholars and alumni with institutions for faculty/leadership positions.
• Online Webinars
  • Covering wellness, writing, interview prep, and job market strategies.
• Alumni Engagement
  • Access to the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni & ongoing resource library.

How to Get Started as a Holmes Scholar at Purdue University

1. Complete Purdue Holmes Scholars Program application (Holmes Scholars application go live in the spring semester i.e., applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available Spring 2026)
2. Submit a two-page cover letter outlining the following:
   • An outline of your professional goals
   • A brief description of your primary research interest
   • Examples of your commitment to scholarship and educational practice
   • Why you want to become a Purdue Holmes Scholar
3. Current curriculum vitae or résumé
4. One (1) letter of support/recommendation from a faculty member
5. Interview with Holmes Scholars Interview Panel

Meet Purdue’s Holmes Scholars

2024 Holmes Scholars

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or (765) 494-5830.