Job Description: The National GEM Consortium Fellowship is aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities in graduate programs in engineering and science. GEM offers fellowships at the Master’s level in engineering or science and the Ph.D. level in engineering or natural science. For master’s students, the GEM Fellowship provides tuition support and paid internships with corporate or government research partners. The goal is to offer professional experience in industry or national labs along with graduate education, creating a pathway for fellows into high-level technical careers.

Role Description: A GEM Fellow at the master’s level is concurrently a full-time graduate student and a summer intern. During the academic year, the Fellow pursues a master’s degree in an engineering or science field at a participating university. The fellowship covers tuition and provides a modest stipend, allowing the student to focus on studies. In the summers (usually the summer before the first year and the summer after the first year of grad school), the Fellow works as an intern at one or two of GEM’s employer partners (leading companies or national laboratories). This internship is a required component – it gives practical R&D experience and often leads to job offers. The Fellow’s “role” is essentially student-intern: excel in graduate classes and research, and contribute to the employer’s projects during internships. GEM Fellows also become part of a community network and may attend the annual GEM conference. After graduation (typically in ~2 years for a master’s), many Fellows proceed to full-time industry positions or continue to Ph.D. programs, leveraging both their advanced degree and their internship experience.

Application Cycle: Annual (applications open July 1 and close around Nov 1–15; selections and employer matching occur in winter; fellows matriculate the following fall)

What You’ll Need:

• • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (required, as GEM is open to U.S. underrepresented minority students)
  • A member of an underrepresented group in engineering/science: generally defined by GEM as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American/Alaska Native. (Applicants self-identify; this is a core mission criterion of GEM.)
  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, applied science, or a physical science. Seniors can apply during their last undergrad year, or graduates can apply if not yet in grad school.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 in undergrad (required), though most competitive applicants have higher GPAs.
  • Admission to a GEM member graduate program. (You apply to universities separately; GEM can assist with fee waivers for applications. The fellowship award is contingent on being admitted to a participating M.S. program.)

Preferred or Required Qualifications:

• • Required: Strong quantitative and technical skills from undergrad coursework. At least one internship, co-op, or research experience during undergrad is common among successful applicants (demonstrates preparedness for grad school and GEM employer work).
  • Preferred: Demonstrated leadership or involvement (e.g., in engineering societies like NSBE, SHPE, SACNAS, AISES). GEM values candidates who show potential to succeed in grad school and contribute to the consortium’s goals of diversity and excellence.
  • Commitment to completing a graduate degree. (The fellowship is a contract: you agree to pursue the M.S. full-time and to complete the summer internships as scheduled.)

Benefits and Perks:

• • Full tuition and fees for the master’s program are paid by the GEM member university that the Fellow attends. This means the Fellow does not incur tuition debt for their graduate education.
  • A stipend/Living allowance provided by the GEM consortium and employer: at a minimum $16,000 total stipend for the entire master’s program. The structure is typically $4,000 per semester up to four semesters (or $8,000/year for up to two years). Some universities or employers may supplement this amount.
  • Up to two paid summer internships with a GEM Employer Member (corporations like IBM, Google, Lockheed Martin, or government labs like NASA, NIST, etc.). These internships often come with a decent salary, and importantly, they provide industry mentorship and can lead to a job. The first internship usually occurs immediately before starting the master’s (after college graduation), and the second after the first year of grad school.
  • Professional development and networking through GEM: Fellows attend the annual GEM Fellow Symposium/career fair. Belonging to GEM opens doors to a network of alumni and partner organizations that actively recruit GEM Fellows.
  • Some GEM universities also nominate “University Fellows” or “Associate Fellows” (if not matched with an employer). These Fellows still get tuition covered and at least $8,000 per year stipend from the university. (All GEM Fellows, whether employer-sponsored or not, receive full tuition coverage.)

Where and How You Can Apply:

Official Website: gemfellowship.org – GEM Application Portal – Create an account and complete the online application. You’ll need to provide undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores (optional for M.S., required for the Ph.D. track), 3 recommendations, a personal statement, and a list of up to three desired graduate programs. The application also asks for demographic information to verify eligibility. You must also separately apply for admission to each graduate program of interest (GEM provides a mechanism to request application fee waivers at member universities). After submission, GEM Employer partners review applications to select fellows for sponsorship; you may be contacted for interviews by employers in January. Notifications of fellowship awards generally come in March.

Role Description: NDSEG Fellows undertake graduate research of their choosing (in approved disciplines) with full financial support for up to three years. Fellows focus on their studies and research without additional service obligations to the government. During the fellowship, they are expected to maintain high academic standing and make progress toward their degree. There is no internship or work requirement, but fellows may be invited to DoD networking or conference events. The fellowship simply enables recipients to freely pursue research from the first year through the third year of graduate school. After the fellowship period, many NDSEG Fellows continue in their Ph.D. programs funded by their universities or other grants.

Application Cycle: Annual (application opens in August and closes in Oct/Nov; selections announced in the spring for fellowships beginning that fall)

What You’ll Need:

• • U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status (required)
  • Either be in the final year of undergraduate study or early in graduate study. Eligible applicants include graduating seniors, recent bachelor’s grads, and first or second-year grad students in an eligible STEM program
  • Strong academic record in science or engineering; research experience is highly valued
  • Proposed graduate study in one of the DoD-approved disciplines (e.g., aeronautical engineering, computer science, physics, cognitive neuroscience, etc. – about 18 disciplines are listed)

Preferred or Required Qualifications:

• • Required: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field by the time of fellowship activation; intention to pursue a doctoral degree (the program is geared toward Ph.D. attainment)
  • Preferred: Participation in research (publications, labs, internships) and excellent GRE scores (if required by grad program) can strengthen the application
  • Must not already have a doctorate. While master’s students can apply, the goal is often to fund those who will proceed to a Ph.D.

Benefits and Perks:

• • Three years of full financial support for graduate study: NDSEG covers full tuition and required academic fees at the student’s institution, and provides a monthly stipend (annual stipend ~$40,800, i.e. $3,400 per month). It also includes up to $1,400 per year for health insurance.
  • Freedom to choose any accredited U.S. university and advisor for your graduate research – the fellowship is portable and follows the student’s choice of program
  • No military or federal service obligation attached – recipients can focus solely on their studies and are not required to work for DoD (though many pursue defense-related research and may later work with DoD labs by choice)
  • Opportunities for professional development: fellows are often invited to NDSEG conferences and may have access to DoD research facilities for collaboration

Where and How You Can Apply:

Official Portal: ndseg.sysplus.com – NDSEG Application – Complete the online application form, including academic records, GRE scores (optional but recommended if available), three recommendation letters, and short essays about research interests and career goals. Applicants must also list target DoD discipline(s) and up to three graduate institutions. Results are announced via the portal and email in spring.

Role Description: NSF Graduate Research Fellows carry out their research projects at their chosen accredited universities, supported by a generous stipend and tuition scholarship. Fellows have great flexibility – the fellowship is portable to any accredited U.S. institution and spans three years of support (which can be used over a five-year period). Fellows are expected to devote themselves to research and coursework that will lead to significant contributions in their field. There are no specific work obligations to NSF beyond annual progress reports, but Fellows often become future leaders in academia, industry, or government research. The award is a recognition of potential; Fellows must uphold high academic and ethical standards in their graduate programs.

Application Cycle: Annual (competition opens late summer, applications due in October, results announced the following March/April)

What You’ll Need:

• • U.S. citizenship, national, or permanent resident status (required)
  • Early-career status in grad school: either applying as a graduating senior or first/second-year graduate student in an eligible STEM program (those with more than two years of grad study are ineligible)
  • Strong academic record in STEM and demonstrated potential for significant research contributions (e.g. undergraduate research experience, publications, etc.)
  • Personal, relevant background and future goals statement, and a detailed research proposal as part of the application

Preferred or Required Qualifications:

• • Required: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field; plan to pursue research-based MS or PhD in an NSF-supported discipline (NSF lists eligible fields, excluding clinical studies and certain professional programs)
  • Preferred: Demonstrated intellectual merit (excellent grades, research experience) and broader impacts (leadership, outreach, service in STEM)—these are NSF’s review criteria
  • Commitment to full-time graduate study and to completing a research thesis/dissertation

Benefits and Perks:

• • Three years of financial support over a 5-year fellowship tenure includes an annual stipend of $37,000 to the Fellow and an educational allowance of $16,000 to the institution to cover tuition and fees
  • Freedom to conduct research at any U.S. institution – the fellowship is portable, and Fellows can even change universities or programs if needed
  • No service requirement (fellows have no work obligation to NSF or the government) – focus is on study and research
  • Access to international research opportunities and supercomputing resources in some cases; status as an NSF Fellow often enhances one’s professional opportunities

Where and How You Can Apply:

Official Website: nsf.gov/GRFP – Application Portal – Applicants submit through NSF’s application system. The application includes personal essays, transcripts, and 3 letters of reference. Be sure to follow the field-specific deadline. Extensive guidelines are provided in the NSF GRFP Solicitation

Role Description: FAIT Fellows receive tuition assistance for the final two years of an IT-related bachelor’s or a two-year master’s program, along with two summer internships (one at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and one at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad). They also benefit from mentorship and professional development. Upon completing the degree, Fellows enter the Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists, using their tech expertise to manage diplomatic communications and information systems (with a minimum five-year service commitment).

Application Cycle: Annual (application opens mid-year and selections are made by early the next year)

What You’ll Need:

• • U.S. citizenship (required)
  • Enrollment as a junior in an IT-related undergraduate program or acceptance into a two-year IT-related master’s program (e.g. computer science, information systems)
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA recommended (the program is competitive)
  • Demonstrated financial need (program is intended to support those with need) and an interest in public service

Preferred or Required Qualifications:

• • Required: Academic focus in information technology or computer science; ability to obtain security clearance
  • Preferred: Leadership or work experience in tech (e.g., internships, IT projects)
  • Willingness to serve as a Diplomatic Technology Officer (Information Management Specialist) worldwide and commitment to a 5-year service in the Foreign Service upon completion

Benefits and Perks:

• • Academic funding for two years (covers up to $37,500 annually for tuition, fees, and living stipend for junior & senior years of undergrad or a two-year master’s)
  • Two paid State Department internships: one domestic in Washington, D.C., and one overseas, offering hands-on experience in diplomatic IT operations
  • Professional development training and mentorship throughout the fellowship
  • Appointment as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist after graduation, with expedited entry into the role

Where and How You Can Apply:

Official Website: www.faitfellowship.org  – How to Apply— Submit an online application that includes personal essays, proof of financial need (FAFSA/student aid report), transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Applicants may be required to take the Foreign Service entry assessments as part of the selection.

Role Description: Payne Fellows receive financial support for graduate school and internships geared toward a USAID career. They participate in an orientation and two summer internships: one on Capitol Hill (Congress) and one at a USAID Mission overseas. Throughout the fellowship, they receive mentorship and professional development in development diplomacy. After completing the master’s and meeting Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows join USAID’s Foreign Service, deploying worldwide to design and manage U.S. development programs.

Application Cycle: Annual (application opens in spring/summer and closes in fall of the year before the fellowship start)

What You’ll Need:

• • U.S. citizenship (required)
  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA (required)
  • Acceptance or enrollment in a two-year graduate program in international development, public policy, or a related field (by fall of the award year)
  • Age limit: 18–55 years old at application (required)
  • Demonstrated interest in global development and commitment to serve in USAID’s Foreign Service

Preferred or Required Qualifications:

• • Required: Academic excellence and leadership experience; strong interest in alleviating global challenges (poverty, hunger, conflict, etc.)
  • Preferred: Experience working with diverse cultures or languages; financial need is considered
  • Must fulfill medical, security, and suitability requirements for USAID Foreign Service and commit to a minimum of 5 years of service after fellowship

Benefits and Perks:

• • Up to $104,000 total funding over two years of graduate school (covers tuition, fees, stipend, and internship support) – Approximately $52,000 per year for academic expenses and living costs
  • Two summer internships with stipend and travel housing support: Capitol Hill internship (Congressional office) and USAID overseas internship
  • Mentoring by USAID Foreign Service Officers and tailored professional development training
  • Appointment as a USAID Foreign Service Officer upon successful completion (with a 5-year service commitment)

Where and How You Can Apply:

Official Website: apply.paynefellows.org – Application – Apply online by submitting transcripts, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of acceptance to a graduate program. The selection process includes an interview for finalists in January.

Role Description: Pickering Fellows receive financial support for graduate school and commit to the Foreign Service upon completion. They attend an orientation, receive mentoring, and must fulfill two summer internships: one at the State Department headquarters in Washington and one at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. After completing all requirements (including Foreign Service exams and clearances), Fellows receive specialized training and enter the Foreign Service, serving as U.S. diplomats in Washington, D.C., and abroad.

Application Cycle: Annual (applications open in spring; Fellows are selected in the fall for the next academic year)

What You’ll Need:

• • U.S. citizenship (required)
  • Admission to or plans to attend a two-year master’s program in a field related to Foreign Service (e.g. international affairs, public policy, economics)
  • Minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA (required)
  • Demonstrated financial need and commitment to public service and diversity in diplomacy

Preferred or Required Qualifications:

• • Required: Bachelor’s degree earned or soon to be earned; strong academic record and leadership skills
  • Preferred: Experience with international studies or languages; involvement with underserved communities (to support the program’s diversity goals)
  • Ability to obtain State Department medical, security, and suitability clearance; agreement to a 5-year service obligation as a Foreign Service Officer

Benefits and Perks:

• • Funding up to $42,000 per year for two years of graduate school (covers tuition up to $24,000/year and a living stipend of $18,000/year)
  • Two fully-funded internships (one domestic at the State Department and one overseas at a U.S. mission), including travel and housing support
  • Mentorship by senior Foreign Service Officers and professional development workshops
  • Fast track into a career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer upon completing degree and fellowship obligations

Where and How You Can Apply:

Official Website: pickeringfellowship.org – Apply— Complete the online application (personal statement, two letters of recommendation, financial documentation, etc.). Finalists are interviewed in the fall.