Formerly known as the National Physical Science Consortium, Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity is a partnership between government agencies and laboratories, industry, and higher education. GFSD is open for application by all U.S. citizens regardless of race or gender. GFSD's goal is to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool.
Each year, GFSD awards a number of graduate fellowships for up to six years of graduate study in major research universities in the U.S. Host universities waive tuition and other educational fees for fellows, and GFSD provides stipends of $20,000 per year of support.
Supported fields of study may vary each year according to employer considerations, in general GFSD Fellowships support students in the following fields: astronomy, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer sciences, environmental engineering, geology, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, and physics.
Selection is based on a number of factors, including academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, and career trajectory.
Eligibility: GFSD welcomes applications from any qualified U.S. citizen who has the ability to pursue graduate work at an GFSD university associate. Applicants at any stage of their graduate program may apply, as long as they will be available to accept two summers of paid internship. Those who already possess a doctoral degree are ineligible.
Employers may nominate GFSD fellows directly, obviating the selection process. These fellows may enroll for either a Master's or a PhD degree. For additional requirements, please see GFSD website.