If you’ve ever thought about graduate school but felt overwhelmed, unsure, or like it wasn’t meant for someone like you—you are exactly who the California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education was created for.
The Diversity Forum is a free, one-day event designed to support California college students who may be navigating higher education without a roadmap, whether you're the first in your family to go to college, balancing school and work, or facing barriers to access. You'll meet peers who’ve overcome challenges, mentors who care, and graduate students who’ve stood where you are now. Whether you're exploring the idea or already preparing your applications, the Diversity Forum meets you where you are.
All California college students are welcome to attend.
You Belong in Graduate School
Graduate education isn’t just for those with family connections or insider knowledge. If you’ve ever helped support your family, worked multiple jobs, translated for loved ones, or figured out college systems on your own, you already have the resilience, focus, and determination that graduate schools value.
You might not know someone with a master’s or PhD, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be the first. Graduate education is for leaders, problem-solvers, educators, and community builders. That includes you!
The Diversity Forum helps you envision yourself in graduate school, and shows you how to get there.
What to Expect
You’ll have access to foundational workshops, inspiring speakers, and real-time connections with graduate students, student affairs professionals, and admissions representatives from across the country. Workshop topics cover:
- How to choose the right graduate program
- What it takes to apply, and how to stand out
- What it’s like to be a graduate student, and how to thrive
- How to fund your graduate education (yes, you can get paid to go to grad school!)
- How graduate study can lead to a career in research, teaching, or community impact
You’ll also get to attend the Graduate School Fair, where you can speak one-on-one with representatives from 150-200 graduate schools and programs. They’re there to answer your questions, share resources, and support you in taking the next step.
A Space Designed for You
The California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education isn’t just an event—it’s a community. You’ll meet people who understand your story and believe in your potential. Many students say the Diversity Forum was the first time they felt truly envisioned themselves in an academic space. Others say it was the moment they decided, "Yes, I can do this."
It’s Free. It’s Real. And It’s All About You
This event is free to attend and designed with your success in mind. No sales pitches, no catch. Just real information, real people, and real support for students who might not otherwise see themselves on this path.
Graduate school might feel distant or intimidating, but it’s not out of reach. The Diversity Forum is here to give you tools, knowledge, support, and confidence. We believe the future of graduate education should reflect the full range of lived experience. That means you and your story are not only welcome, but necessary. Your voice matters in higher education. Your perspective matters in research. And your dreams deserve the chance to grow.
If you’ve made it to this website, you’re already thinking about your future. That’s a big deal! Whether someone sent you this link, or you found it on your own, we want you to know: you belong here.
Take the Next Steps
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be curious and courageous enough to explore what’s next.
After you complete your registration, connect with your campus contact to learn about transportation options and how else you can prepare. Consider sharing this opportunity with peers who are also curious about graduate school. And when the Guidebook conference app launches, start planning your schedule and which graduate schools to visit.
Ask questions. Make connections. See yourself in the future.
And know you’re not just welcome, you’re wanted.