Empowering diverse graduate students to achieve academic excellence through financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The Graduate Equity Fellowship Program (GEFP) is committed to promoting diversity in graduate education by providing financial assistance and support services to individuals who have experienced economic or educational disadvantages. Established in 1992, GEFP has supported over 5,000 graduate students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing advanced degrees across all academic disciplines. "The Graduate Equity Fellowship Program not only provided financial support during my doctoral studies but also connected me with a community of scholars who inspired me to push boundaries in my research." Fellowship applicants must demonstrate economic disadvantage through one or more of the following: Applicants may qualify based on educational disadvantage if they: GEFP provides: The application cycle opens annually on October 1st and closes on February 15th. Complete applications received by the deadline will be reviewed by the selection committee. Gather unofficial transcripts, proof of income, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and financial information. Upload your personal statement explaining your goals and how you meet the program criteria. Provide contact information for two recommenders who can speak to your academic potential. Semi-finalists will be invited for a virtual interview with the selection committee. GEFP is primarily designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, some participating institutions may have additional funding available for qualifying international students. Please check with your campus GEFP coordinator for specific eligibility requirements. Yes, you can receive GEFP funding in addition to other scholarships, grants, and fellowships. However, your total financial aid package cannot exceed your documented financial need and cost of attendance. Please disclose all funding sources in your application. GEFP fellowships are typically awarded for one academic year but may be renewed for up to two additional years for master's students and five years for doctoral students, provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress. If your enrollment falls below full-time status, your fellowship may be prorated or suspended for that semester. Exceptions may be made for documented disabilities or extenuating circumstances with prior approval from the GEFP office. Yes, GEFP includes summer research grants that fellows can apply for to support research activities, fieldwork, or unpaid internships related to their graduate program. These competitive grants provide up to $3,000 for summer projects.Graduate Equity Fellowship Program
About the Program
Mission
Program Objectives
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Criteria
Economic Disadvantage
Educational Disadvantage
Residency Requirements
Program Benefits
Financial Support
Academic Support
Professional Development
Community Building
Application Process
Prepare Your Documents
Complete Online Application
Submit Essays
Request Recommendations
Interview
Application Components
Required Documents:
Evaluation Criteria:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Provost S Distinguished Fellowship/Scholarship and Reference File Download Link
