Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there more information available about the history of PROMISE?

A: Yes, please read the article "The PROMISE of a Better Graduate School Community" on page 16 of the November/December issue of In Chemistry Magazine (Link above requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Q: I’ve heard about AGEP, but I don’t really know what it means. Where can I find more information?

A: AGEP is an acronym for Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate. You can read more about AGEP on the National Science Foundation's AGEP website. AGEP is a National Science Foundation (NSF) program in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, Division of Human Resource Development.

Q: Are there other AGEPs?

A: Yes, there are 27 other AGEP programs throughout the country. There are AGEPs in Mississippi (AGEM), Georgia (FACES), Colorado (PEAKS), and many others. PROMISE is Maryland’s AGEP.

Q: What fields of study are supported by the National Science Foundation?

A: Here is a list of supported STEM fields: List of NSF supported fields.

Q: What is STEM?

A: STEM is the National Science Foundation's acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The STEM fields are the focus areas for AGEP programs.

Q: I am not "underrepresented" because I am not an African-American, American-Indian, or Hispanic graduate student. Can I still come to PROMISE events?

A: Absolutely. PROMISE events are open to anyone who supports increasing the numbers and diversity of PhDs in STEM fields. While funded positions may be used to first support graduate students who are underrepresented, you don't have to be an underrepresented student and you don't have to be in a STEM field to support the program and participate in events.