The Mark Q. Sawyer Summer Institute is a UC–HBCU Initiative program in collaboration with the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, UCLA’s Department of Political Science, and Howard University.
Honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Mark Q. Sawyer, a trailblazing scholar and mentor, the Institute invests in the next generation of researchers, educators, and public leaders through a transformative six-week residential experience at UCLA. Each summer, undergraduate students from Howard University come together to strengthen their research, analytical, and leadership skills.
Participants gain hands-on experience in:
- Data analysis
- Research design
- Race, ethnicity, and politics
- Graduate school preparation (including application materials and mentorship)
Through this immersive learning community, the Institute builds a vital bridge between UCLA and HBCUs, expanding access, deepening academic excellence, and advancing Dr. Sawyer’s vision of equitable and inclusive higher education.
