The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan is taking new steps to address an economic need for one of its steadily growing student populations.

LSA has announced a new technology grant program for LSA Ph.D. students with financial need. The LSA Ph.D. Need-Based Student Technology Support Grant will provide eligible doctoral students with up to $1,500 to purchase or repair laptop or desktop computers. The program, a collaborative initiative funded by LSA and U-M’s Office of the Provost, is a three-year pilot that is housed in the LSA Office of Graduate Education. 

“The Ph.D. student experience is unique, as many come from nontraditional backgrounds, are international students, or have families of their own,” said Paula Hathaway, manager of the LSA Office of Graduate Education. “There is often an assumption that Ph.D. students have the financial resources to continue their postgraduate degree, but for many, that is not the reality. This grant program will help them by making their educational journey more accessible and attainable.”

The program is modeled on the LSA Laptop Loan Program, which was created in 2018 for LSA undergraduate students. That program was so successful that it evolved into a campus-wide initiative offered through U-M. Known as the Michigan Undergraduate Laptop Program, it provides laptops for all undergraduate U-M students with financial need. The LSA Ph.D. Support Grant is just one way the college is addressing the needs of its Ph.D. students.

The new grant program is just one in a suite of initiatives included in LSA’s recently launched DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan, which, among its many goals, is designed to increase access in higher education and create equitable opportunities for students.

“We are very excited to announce the LSA Ph.D. Need-Based Student Technology Grant,” said Isis Settles, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at LSA. “Ph.D. students at LSA are among the top scholars in the country, and this program ensures that students of all socioeconomic backgrounds are granted the opportunity to thrive and have a positive academic experience at LSA.”

To learn more about the LSA Office of Graduate Education and how to apply for the grant program, visit the website.