The Ford Foundation Fellowships were designed to increase the diversity of the nation's college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, maximizing the educational benefits of diversity, and increasing the number of professors who use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. Ford addressed these goals through a series of fellowships that spanned multiple stages of an academic career as well as mentorship, professional development, and an expansive network of alumni who enable peer support and community building.

The National Academies administered Ford Foundation Fellowships from 1979 to 2025, providing support for individuals who demonstrated superior academic achievement, have committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level, shown promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and used diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. Ford Foundational Fellows received extensive support during and beyond their fellowship experience through facilitated engagement with a vibrant alumni community.