Graduate Applications International Network (GAIN)

The recent GAIN initiative (the Graduate Applications International Network) supports prospective graduate students from all countries across Africa in applying for graduate programs in economics and related fields

GAIN offers a two-part program: in Part 1, students attend a webinar series where they learn about each aspect of the application process in depth and begin preparing for the application with weekly assignments; in Part 2, students receive 1-on-1 mentoring from research professionals to help them complete the application.

GAIN is still looking for more mentors for this fall's application cycle. If you know of faculty or graduate students who might be available, your help would be highly appreciated. Feel free to forward this invitation to graduate students and/or post-docs in your department or broader network.  

To apply to the program, mentors must meet the following requirements:

• Ability to commit 10 hours a month on average throughout the application cycle from September 2021-March 2022.
• Experience completing the graduate application process in economics or related fields (public policy, political science, public health, etc.)
• Interest in increasing the representation of African scholars in economics and related fields
• Previous experience with mentoring is preferred.

Mentors work with a single student throughout the application process, meeting weekly to make sure the student is on track to submit applications by the relevant deadlines. Mentors provide feedback on key aspects of the application, such as personal statements, resumes, and scholarship proposals. Mentors receive support as needed from a community of mentors around the world, as well as from the GAIN leadership team. 

GAIN primarily recruits mentors for 1-on-1 mentoring with a student. However, they also invite applications for a few mentors to share their expertise in specific application areas, such as preparing scholarship proposals, studying for standardized tests, or proofreading personal statements. These mentors may work with students more intensively for a shorter period of time. 

If you are interested in being a GAIN mentor in any capacity, please fill out an application on the GAIN website.