The Graduate School and University Fellowships Office are hosting a series of spring workshops to help students prepare applications for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and other STEM fellowships with 2019-20 deadlines. Please share widely with potentially eligible undergraduate students (juniors and seniors), incoming graduate students, and first-year graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. Please also share with faculty mentors in these fields.
Students are invited to attend any of the following sessions:
Informational Sessions
Registration is requested
Thursday, March 14, 2019
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
C9 Atherton Hall
Penn State students interested in applying for a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) are encouraged to attend this information session. Students will learn about the Graduate Research Fellowship Program application process and will have the opportunity to hear from a faculty mentor and a student who received the GRFP. They will share their experiences with the program and offer advice on developing strong applications.
Students are encouraged to submit their questions on the form when registering for the session. Students may also ask questions at the event. Registration closes the day before the session.
Writing Sessions
Writing the Personal Statement
Monday, April 8, 2019
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
117 Sackett Building
Writing the Research Statement
Thursday, April 18, 2019
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
125 Reber Building
Editing your GRFP Application
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
1:30-2:30 p.m.
125 Reber Building
Join the University Fellowships Office to workshop early drafts of your Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals and Graduate Research Plan Statements. Amidst collaborative brainstorming and editing, you will get practice turning your life story and career plan into a compelling case for graduate funding and proposing a research project that is both exciting and achievable. We will discuss best practices and common issues for each, as well as strategies for reading and revising your writing when you are on your own.
Applicants must be United States citizens or nationals, or permanent residents of the United States by the application deadlines. (The term “national” designates a native resident of a commonwealth or territory of the United States, such as American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands. It does not refer to a citizen of another country who has applied for U.S. citizenship.)
Fellowships are intended for individuals in the early stages of their graduate study in NSF-supported fields: Chemistry, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning Research. Undergraduate seniors and first- and second-year graduate students in above-mentioned fields may apply.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards Administration at 814-865-2514 or email gsfellowships@psu.edu in advance of your participation or visit. This publication is available in alternative media on request.