For Students

DEI Student Initiatives

The Wharton Doctoral Programs (WDP) continues the Introduction to Diversity in Doctoral Education and Scholarship (IDDEAS) Program which was created in 2013 to increase diversity in doctoral education by introducing undergraduate scholars of all backgrounds to research and academic careers. More than half of student participants are from underrepresented minority groups.

Wharton’s Bridge to a Doctorate in Statistics and Data Science is a two-year research master’s (AM) degree program that provides advanced coursework and research experience to students who need additional preparation for admission to a doctoral program. Bridge Fellows work with faculty on an individualized curriculum built around their interests and goals. As part of the goal of the Statistics and Data Science Department, this Bridge Program seeks to prepare students for a doctoral program in an inclusive learning environment and is committed to supporting the academic success of students from a rich diversity of backgrounds and social experiences.

The Wharton Global Youth Program is an investment in creating diverse pipelines for business education. It mobilizes the extensive opportunities of the Wharton academic community to educate and inspire pre-collegiate students to explore business practices, analyze the world’s complex challenges, and take the first steps in becoming leaders who will transform the global economy.

Wharton supports the Summer Undergraduate Minority Research Program (SUMR) cosponsored by the Leonard Davis Institute and the Health Care Management Department. It is a summer internship program that introduces talented undergraduate students from underrepresented minority groups to research in health services, population health, and clinical epidemiology at Penn.

STEP includes a pre-orientation and ongoing programming across the four years to support the success of historically underrepresented students at Wharton. Designed to cater to a diverse student population, STEP introduces incoming students to Wharton and Penn resources, fosters connection and community, and helps participants build skills to effectively navigate college, both academically and socially. Students are invited to join STEP the summer before their first year.

Alternative investment firms Apollo, Ares, and Oaktree are investing $90 million over 10 years so HBCU students interested in finance can gain exposure, mentorship and hands-on experience to jumpstart a career in alternatives. Wharton is in partnership with AltFinance to build opportunity at every step of the pathway from college to career in order to create meaningful and lasting impact for HBCU students, the financial industry, and our shared future.