In addition, financial contributions are made by ASA members and sister and regional associations. The MFP Advisory Committee meets in February to select trainees for the following academic year. The MFP Committee, appointed by ASA Council, consists of nine voting members and a liaison from Council. Members typically maintain research and teaching backgrounds in the sociology of mental health and illness. A number of former MFP Fellows serve on this committee.
Applicants can be new or continuing graduate students.
Fellows are selected on the basis of their commitment to research in mental health and mental illness, academic achievement, scholarship, writing ability, research potential, financial need, and racial and ethnic minority background. Only a limited number of highly qualified students are selected for the program. Awards will be announced by April 15. Check out the School of Planning at the University of Tennesse Knoxville, which offers a professional master's degree in urban planning. The degree is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.