SPSP Diversity Initiatives
In an effort to increase the diversity of personality and social psychology, SPSP supports a Diversity andClimate Committee that monitors diversity in the organization and funds efforts to support the conference attendance of students who come from underrepresented groups (e.g.,ethnic or racial minority students; first-generation college students; lesbian, gay, or bisexual students; transgendered students; and/or students with a physical disability.).
Travel Awards
Since 2001, the Diversity Fund has awarded over $100,000 in travel grants to help more than 250 graduate students attend the annual SPSP conference. Qualified graduate students from underrepresented groups may apply for travel awards of up to $500 towards SPSP conference attendance. Qualified undergraduates may apply for registration awards that cover the cost of SPSP conference registration.
To be eligible for a Diversity Fund Graduate Travel Award, students must be enrolled in a psychology graduate program and must come from an underrepresented group in personality and social psychology (i.e., including ethnic or racial minority students; first-generation college students; lesbian, gay, or bisexual students; transgendered students; and/or students with a physical disability.).
In the future, the SPSP Diversity Fund may also be used for other programs that enhance diversity within personality and social psychology.
Travel Award Recipients
For biographical information about graduate students who have received Diversity Fund Travel Awards each year since the inception of this program, see the page of SPSP Diversity Fund Award Recipients.
Other Affiliations
SPSP also recommends the SPN (Social Psychology Network) Mentorship Program. In this program, students from underrepresented groups can email a faculty mentor of their choice with career-related questions or requests for assistance. More than 450 volunteer mentors are available through a mentor database searchable by keyword, research interests, school, or geographic region.
The Society is also affiliated with the GLBT Alliance in Social and Personality Psychology (GASP). GASP provides social support and professional information to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and faculty and their supportive heterosexual colleagues. Membership in GASP is open to all, regardless of research interests or sexual orientation.
For further information on diversity within psychology, see:
If you would like further information about the SPSP Diversity Fund, or if you are potentially interested in contributing to it, please contact John Dovidio, Executive Officer of the Society.
Print to Page