The Summer Success Symposium is a one day event for new and continuing MS/PhD and PhD students from across all graduate fields who identify as belonging to groups historically underrepresented in graduate education. The symposium has a particular focus on bringing together recipients of graduate fellowships in support of diversity as well as all other doctoral scholars who identify as students of color, first generation college (FGC) students, and/or who identify with other historically underrepresented groups such as Veterans, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+.

Through this symposium, participants have the opportunity to form connections and establish community. This symposium also provides participants with the opportunity to engage with successful Cornell PhD alumni, faculty, and professionals with shared experiences as diverse scholars. Summer Success Symposium keynote and workshop content focuses on providing participants with access to knowledge and insights that will help them navigate their successful transition to and progression in their graduate studies.

The Summer Success Symposium is co-organized by the Graduate School Office of Inclusion & Student Engagement (OISE) and Diversity Programs in Engineering.