The Frederick Douglass Institute Collaborative (FDI Collaborative) at PASSHE is guided by the spirit and legacy of distinguished American orator, abolitionist, social justice advocate, and one of the most consequential civil rights leaders of all time, Frederick Douglass. The FDI Collaborative was established in 1995 and remains committed to creating inclusive university communities and transformative connections. The FDI Collaborative includes all PASSHE universities that engage with various stakeholder groups to develop innovative programs to achieve optimal outcomes for underrepresented minority students and faculty at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels, facilitating their progress toward meaningful careers.
The FDI Collaborative is mission-driven and endeavors to be a national and global model for inclusive excellence in higher education and beyond. Please take some time to visit the FDI Institute website at each of PASSHE’s universities.
“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ~ Frederick Douglass
Faculty Fellows
The State System seeks to foster an innovative curriculum and instructional environment. The State System is committed to the recruitment, retention and professional development of a diverse faculty. As such, the State System is focused on advancing the hiring and success of underrepresented minorities, a commitment that is reflected in the Board of Governors five strategic priorities.
The State System offers teaching fellowships to graduate students who are pursuing careers as university faculty and who are entering the final year of terminal degree and/or doctoral programs.
Frederick Douglass Teaching Scholars Fellowships are designed to provide teaching and other professional experiences, mentoring, and potential tenure track employment opportunities within universities that are strongly committed to cultural diversity. Applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those from historically underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.
Contact dei@passhe.edu with any questions.
Student Scholars
Several studies point to the positive benefits of a diverse student body regarding educational outcomes. In other words, all students learn better when the student body is diverse. Pennsylvania is becoming more diverse, and we must support our commonwealth citizens, regardless of their means or backgrounds. This critical support will ensure that our students graduate and serve their neighbors in our communities. Our graduates are leaders. They become professionals who serve in various capacities as innovative, compassionate problem solvers.
As an FDI student scholar, you are committing to becoming the best version of yourself. It means recognizing that we have a lifetime to continue learning and serving our neighbors. An FDI student scholar commits to the ideals of curiosity, service, learning, and courage.
One flagship program is the Douglass Debate Society. This program engages first-generation, low-income, and students of color in high-impact educational opportunities. Through competitive debate, undergraduates across the State System will develop leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills that are cornerstones of success.
Students can apply to be an FDI student scholar with the Frederick Douglass Director on their campus.