5th Annual Mind DivE In Weekend
October 3–5, 2025
Applications due May 31
See below for eligibility
What is DivE In?
DivE In is a trainee-founded and led mentorship initiative serving students from backgrounds underrepresented in academia, including first-generation students, low-income students, and students attending institutions with more limited resources in the natural sciences. Students from underrepresented backgrounds often lack access to mentorship that bolsters more privileged students while applying to graduate programs. To contribute to eliminating these inequalities, we organize a yearly weekend workshop intensive that is focused on demystifying the ins and outs of graduate school applications.
What does DivE In offer?
- Mock interview practice with Penn faculty
- 1-on-1 mentoring with members of the Penn mind science community
- Information on funding in graduate school
- Resume & CV advice
- Q&A panels with faculty/graduate students
DivE In Outcomes
Across the past 4 years, over 70% of students identified as persons of color, and more than 60% identified as coming from a disadvantaged background*. Over half of the students reported not having a mentor in the field to whom they could go for questions.
After the weekend, we see 100% reported satisfaction as well as significant increases in students’ knowledge about and confidence in navigating the graduate school application process. Students enter the weekend knowing little about the graduate school admissions process and unsure of how (and who) to ask for help, and leave the weekend feeling 100% comfortable reaching out to ask for help and more than doubling their knowledge about the admissions process.
We absolutely could not organize this event or achieve meaningful outcomes without the deep involvement of the MindCORE community. Please reach out to MindCORE Associate Director Russell Richie (drrichie@sas.upenn.edu) if you have any questions.
IS DivE In RIGHT FOR ME?
- Are you a rising junior or senior in college or a recent graduate?
- Are you interested in a research career in the mind sciences?
- Are you unsure about how to apply to grad school? About who turn to for application advice and mentorship?
- Will you be in the U.S. in October 2025?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then YES! DivE In is right for you!
How do I apply?
Applications for DivE In 2025 will be open from May 1 to May 31, 2025.
Apply: https://upenn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7TDMlIsNw9FwZvg
Decisions will be announced in July-August.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to minddivein@sas.upenn.edu or drrichie@sas.upenn.edu.
* As defined by the NIH, meeting two or more of the following criteria at one point in their life: homeless, foster care, free and reduced lunch, first-generation, federal Pell grants, WIC, from designated low income areas.