Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program

About the Program

The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase diversity within the pool of university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of students in the CSU.

What the California Pre-Doctoral Program Offers

In 2023-24​, the California Pre-Doctoral Program awarded funds to 77 juniors, seniors and graduate students in the CSU. These funds are designed to enable current students to explore and prepare to succeed in doctoral programs in their chosen field of study. Awards are based on a competitive review of student applications and given to current upper-division or graduate students who, in the judgment of the review panel, demonstrate academic excellence while experiencing economic or educational disadvantage, and are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level. All matriculated students enrolled on a CSU campus are eligible to participate.

Students chosen for the Pre-Doctoral Program are designated Sally Casanova Scholars as a tribute to Dr. Sally Casanova, for whom the scholarship is named.

Sally Casanova Scholars have unique opportunities to explore and prepare to succeed in doctoral programs. Scholars receive one-on-one guidance provided by faculty members within the CSU system and the opportunity to work with faculty from doctoral-granting institutions.

Two Students doing reseach in a field of tall grass
Students on Cal Poly Humboldts Research Vessel the Coral Sea heading out of Humboldt Bay
A woman creating wolven tapestry art in an art gallery
Student identifying a soil sample using a guide book. their hand is over the book holding light brown soil