Undergraduate Pipeline Program

What is the Undergraduate Pipeline Program?

The goal of PAA's Undergraduate Pipeline Program (UPP), designed and run by PAA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, is to introduce upper-level undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to demographic research, careers in demography, and information about applying to and being successful in graduate school.

The program initially focused on recruiting students from minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU). However, because diversity can manifest in many forms, participation has been expanded to include all interested students. Students can either be nominated by a faculty member or self-nominate through submission of an online application. 

Structure

The UPP occurs over the course of two days, beginning one day before the PAA Annual Meeting. On Day 1, the undergraduate students participate in seminars and activities designed to introduce them to the field of demography and educate them about applying to and succeeding in graduate school. These seminars are organized by PAA DEI Committee members and conducted by senior scholars and professionals of color. These seminars provide multiple opportunities for students to meet a wide range of demographers at the peak of their careers.

On Day 2, participants attend the first day the PAA Annual Meeting, accompanied by a senior scholar. Students attend research sessions, visit the exhibition hall, and reflect with the group on their experience of the conference and have time to ask further questions. Research sessions at the PAA Annual Meeting cover various topics, including health, fertility, mortality, race, immigration, education and more. Though the formal component of the UPP program ends after the second day, students are encouraged to attend the remainder of the PAA Annual Meeting, which typically lasts four days. 

Successes and Outcomes

To date, 53 students from universities across the U.S. have participated in the UPP. Former student participants have enrolled in graduate programs to obtain Master’s degrees in Applied Demography, Data Science, Public Policy, Global Sustainability, Healthcare Administration, and Human Resources. One student has enrolled in a Sociology PhD program. Educational institutions where former student participants are pursuing graduate education include George Washington University, Northwestern University, University of California Riverside, University of Minnesota, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, and University of Texas at San Antonio.

Many UPP students have presented their research at economics and demography conferences, completed government and media internships, and served as research assistants and coordinators for research labs at various institutions (e.g., University of Maryland Baltimore County, Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute.)

Your Support Goes Far

Previously funded by foundation grants, PAA is asking members and friends to donate to support a more streamlined version of the program. To run the Undergrad Pipeline Program in 2027, we would like to cover the cost of meals for program participants and partially reimburse them for local travel. The PAA Futures Fund has been established to support students and diversify the pipeline, so a percentage of every donation toward that fund will go toward funding the Undergraduate Pipeline Program in future years.

Two ways to give:

1. Online directly to the PAA Futures Fund.
2. Send a check to PAA, 1436 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314. Put "Futures" in the memo.

You will receive a receipt. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law. PAA is a 501(c)(3) organization and has provided no services or goods in return for your contribution. 

Spread the Word

Help PAA spread the word about this important program.

• Circulate this information among colleagues interested in advancing DEI efforts in population research. Here is a PDF packet of information.
• Print this flyer for your department or institution.
• Use your funds to contribute to the program. And tell your friends.