The Wayne State University Graduate School recently received a national award that recognizes promising efforts in initiating or scaling up innovations in graduate education from admission through successful completion of a degree program.

The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) announced on Dec. 5 that Wayne State had won the 2019 ETS/CGS Award for Innovation in Promoting Success in Graduate Education: From Admission through Completion. Only one institution in the country is selected for the award during the annual competition.

“We are truly honored and grateful to be the recipient of this important award,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, interim dean of the Graduate School. “This program embodies Wayne State University’s commitment to prepare a diverse student body to thrive and positively impact local and global communities.”

Success for Underrepresented students in Graduate Education (SURGE) will use a multifaceted approach to address common challenges faced by students from nontraditional backgrounds. Working in partnership with well-established WSU student support services and graduate student mentors, SURGE combines intensive peer mentoring, training and scholarship funding to provide the necessary support for a competitive application to a WSU master’s program.

“This initiative reduces barriers for students from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Guerra-López. “SURGE will strengthen students’ support network, promote a sense of belonging and a growth mindset, and develop specific skills that will prime them to be competitive applicants to WSU graduate programs.”