The DIP | SIOP Diversifying I-O Program

We invite aspiring undergraduate students to embark on a transformative journey by becoming a SIOP Diversifying I-O Psychology Program (DIP) scholar, where you will gain invaluable research experience to elevate your candidacy for doctoral admission.

As a DIP scholar, you will have the chance to work alongside esteemed mentors and fellow scholars, fostering a collaborative and enriching learning environment.

DIP Scholar & Mentor applications are NOW OPEN!

2025 DIP Scholars application:

Apply to be a Scholar

2025 DIP Mentors application:

Apply to be a Mentor

For inquiries, please contact SIOP Program Development Manager, Heather Flattery by email.

Mission

To increase diversity within the field of I-O psychology, and ultimately SIOP, by increasing the diversity of students who are applying to and accepted into funded I-O doctoral programs.

Vision

A significantly larger talent pathway of Black/African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx and Native Americans for I-O graduate education and ultimately SIOP.

Objectives

For racial and ethnic minority undergraduate students

1. Raise awareness of I-O psychology

2. Provide the opportunity to learn more about graduate studies in I-O psychology

3. Help undergraduates gain the experience and qualifications needed to be more competitive to apply for funded I-O psychology doctoral programs. For example, foster undergraduate ability in research, scholarship, application, and graduate study more broadly. The SIOP Diversifying I-O Psychology Program recruits scholars and research mentors annually. This phase will focus on research experience in the form of a research mentor-mentee relationship. Check back for important information and links to apply.

4. Guide students in identifying their focal interests through direct experience and exposure to the many areas of research in I-O psychology

5. Socialize students within a supportive graduate climate that values multiple diverse perspectives

For SIOP

6. Increase and diversify the membership of SIOP

7. Demonstrate to existing members of SIOP through action, especially those in underrepresented minority and ethnic communities, a genuine commitment to equity, access, and inclusion.

Background

This initiative was proposed by the Diversifying I-O Graduate Education Task Force, which included these members:

Dr. Enrica Ruggs, Task Force Chair, University of Memphis

Dr. Derek R. Avery, University of Houston

Dr. Jimmy Davis, RHR International

Dr. Marcus Dickson, Wayne State University

Dr. Eden B. King, Rice University

Dr. Larry R. Martinez, Portland State University

Dr. Patrick F. McKay, Temple University

Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Dr. Ann Marie Ryan, Michigan State University

The task force convened to define and address the issue of racial and ethnic underrepresentation in funded doctoral programs in I-O psychology. The pipeline initiative seeks to increase awareness of I-O and strengthen the applications of racial and ethnic minority students. This program is aligned with SIOP’s strategic goal to “build a diverse, inclusive, and agile SIOP that maximizes our impact through effective people, process, technology, and data infrastructure.”

Additionally the James L. Outtz Grant for Student Research on Diversity helps to make the DIP program possible.

Named for SIOP’s first African-American president, The James L. Outtz Grant for Student Research on Diversity was designed to award empirical research, theory, and application in any area of I-O psychology that focuses specifically on diversity. Since the establishment of the Outtz Grant program, SIOP has developed the very successful Diversifying I-O Psychology Program. To continue the program, SIOP needs financial support for the scholars who attend so the Outtz Grant has been repurposed to support Outtz Scholars to the Diversifying I-O Psychology Program

Learn More

To learn more about The DIP, view Stephen Rogelberg's discussions with SIOP Diversity & Inclusion Officer Derek Avery, and former DIP Chair Larry Martinez, as part of the Better Together Tuesday video about the program below. Check back for details about this exciting program and how to get involved!

About

“The DIP” is a new diversity pathway initiative, approved by the SIOP Executive Board in April 2021. It is chaired by Dr. Lars U. Johnson of The University of Texas at Arlington.

Lars U. Johnson headshot

The DIP Phases

Phase 1: Virtual Conference

Phase 1 of the initiative is meant to provide general awareness about I-O and increase interest in the field for a large group of racial and ethnic minority undergraduate students. We see this step as an inclusive experience that should aim to attract a wide net of students to learn more about the advantages of attending I-O funded doctoral programs. This virtual conference for approximately 50-100 students takes place each fall.

Day One focuses on the I-O PhD experience. Attendees hear from distinguished speakers about what a career in I-O psychology is like, how to pursue a career in I-O psychology, and what a PhD program involves.

Day Two focuses on the application process, including how to find programs that are a good fit, the application itself, interviewing, and preparing to start the program.

Check out this link for a playlist of past DIP Virtual Conference events!

View 2024 DIP Virtual Conference Playlist

Phase 2: Research Experience

Research experience is often a critical qualification that doctoral admissions committees look for when screening applicants. We think it is important to help racial and ethnic minority students gain these experiences to not only provide increased exposure to I-O psychological research, but also to help strengthen their qualifications for graduate school. This phase will include a select group of Phase 1 participants and will take place each January.

Phase 3: SIOP Conference Immersion/University Fair

This phase provides an opportunity for program participants to expand their networks to include a larger number of people in the field of I-O who can provide guidance and encouragement throughout the application process and beyond. As more program participants go through the program and become immersed in SIOP, they will be able to build community and feel more included in SIOP at large. This phase will include a select group of Phase 1 and 2 participants and will take place each April.