Connect. Mentor. Inspire. A Student Ambassador Program by the Cornell Statistics Graduate Society

Project description

Cornell Statistics Graduate Society (SGS)
Established in Spring 2016, the Cornell Statistics Graduate Society (SGS) is the official graduate student organization for the Statistics and Data Science field at Cornell University. Led by PhD students, SGS is dedicated to enhancing the academic, social, and professional experiences of graduate students. We advocate for student needs within the Department of Statistics and Data Science, the Graduate School, and the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. SGS is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive community for all.

About the project: Building a Student Ambassador Program

We are launching a Student Ambassador Program to strengthen the connection between prospective and current graduate students in Statistics and Data Science at Cornell. This initiative is designed to demystify the graduate school experience, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide personalized guidance to applicants navigating the admissions process.

Our fundraising goal is $2,500, which will directly support the following components:

• Mentorship program: Pairing current graduate students with prospective applicants to offer insights, encouragement, and advice.
• Informational resources: Creating accessible guides, FAQs, and videos that explain the application process, research opportunities, and student life.
• Virtual & in-person events: Hosting info sessions, Q&A panels, and informal meetups to foster community and transparency.
• Ambassador training: Developing training materials to ensure ambassadors are well-prepared to represent the program and support prospective students effectively.
• Technology tools: Investing in platforms that facilitate virtual mentoring, scheduling, and communication.

Why it matters

Graduate school can be an intimidating journey, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds or those unfamiliar with the academic landscape. By building a structured and sustainable ambassador program, we aim to:

• Increase transparency in the admissions process  
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment  
• Empower current students to give back and lead  
• Support prospective students in making informed decisions  
• Strengthen the long-term community within our field

As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.