Building Alliances to Diversify Graduate Education (BADGE) is a Graduate College funded cost sharing program focused on increasing diversity in Illinois graduate programs. Faculty and staff may request BADGE funds for travel related to the recruitment of U.S. students historically underrepresented in graduate education. The program encourages faculty and staff to visit HBCUs, HSIs and other institutions invested in educating students traditionally underrepresented in graduate studies to establish new relations, strengthen existing networks and work toward increasing the diversity profile of our graduate student population. Requests for BADGE funds must include a cost share commitment equal to or greater than the BADGE funds requested. The BADGE funds cannot be used for supporting student visits to Illinois.

Requests for funds must be submitted at least 30 days before the time of travel. Before travelling, successful applicants must meet with Ave Alvarado, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. At this meeting, applicants will learn about best recruitment practices and will obtain Graduate College literature about summer research opportunities and other on-campus supports for under-represented minority students.

Use the online template to submit a request. Questions and submissions should be sent to BADGE-Funding@illinois.edu.