October 7, 2021

To:  Economic Department Chairs
From: Peter L. Rousseau, Secretary - Treasurer
Subject:  Letter from Director of the AEA Summer Training Program

Please see the letter below from Dr. Omari H. Swinton, Director of the AEA Summer Training Program, which I am sending to you on his behalf.  I ask that you take the time to read through the request and provide all possible support for this important Association program.  Thank you. 

Hello,

I am Dr. Omari H. Swinton, Chair and Director of Graduate Studies of the Department of Economics at Howard University. I am currently the Director of the AEA Summer Program (AEASP). I am writing for your assistance in finding underrepresented minority students in your economics or math department who have expressed an interest in pursuing graduate studies in economics. Since 1974, the AEA Summer Program, through scholarships, has increased diversity in the field of economics by preparing talented undergraduates for doctoral programs in economics and related disciplines. The AEASP is a prestigious program that enables students to develop and solidify technical skills in preparation for the rigors of graduate studies. As many as 20% of PhDs awarded to minorities in economics over the past 20 years were graduates of the program.  The program will once again be offered at Howard University in Summer 2022. All students receive 2 months of intensive training in microeconomics, mathematics, econometrics and research methods with leading faculty. At 3 credits per class, students have the opportunity to earn 12 college credits. For details on the program, please visit https://economics.howard.edu/aeasp.

As an alumni of the program, I can attest to the significant impact the program has had on my professional life. Our goal at Howard is to find the students who would benefit the most from the program and encourage them to apply. If you would like me or my team to talk to students at your university, we can arrange a meeting/presentation.   If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-806-6774 or oswinton@howard.edu.

Sincerely,

Omari H. Swinton, PhD Chair
Director of Graduate Studies
Director of the AEA Summer Training Program Professor of Economics
Howard University oswinton@howard.edu