Graduate Fellowship
2027 Application Opens November 30, 2026
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium offers graduate fellowship opportunities aimed to develop your leadership and professional skills needed to pursue a career in STEM. There are two Graduate Fellowship Opportunities: (1) Summer Fellowship and (2) Academic Year Fellowship. You can apply to one or both fellowship opportunities.
Eligibility
- US Citizen Only.
- Currently enrolled or admitted in a STEM graduate program at UW-Seattle.
- Open to students in STEM degree programs. Some degree programs are ineligible, reference the STEM Degree Program List. If you are unsure, email nasa@uw.edu to ask.
Summer Fellowship:
Graduate Fellows in the summer will support the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Fellows will mentor a cohort of undergraduate students in professional development that includes providing advice and offering tips to succeed in a research environment. Grad Fellows will present short workshops for a cohort of undergraduate STEM students on topics such as: How to Write an Abstract, What is a Literature Review, and Applying to Grad School. For more information, reference SURP program details here.
Award: $7,425 Funds will be distributed in installments over a 10-week period.
Program Description
- Available for the entire 10-week program. 30 hours/per week.
- Be available to lead cohort meetings, weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Coordinate 1-2 cohort team building events and/or activity. Collaborate with other summer programs to enhance the summer learning experience.
- Attend the in-person Poster Symposium, the last week of the program at UW – Seattle campus.
- Serve as a mentor for undergraduate students by demonstrating professionalism and creating a welcoming environment.
Academic Year Fellowship:
Graduate Fellows in the academic year will support WASG’s programs, initiatives, and events to further the progress of our mission. Fellows will gain mentorship, leadership development opportunities and year round support from Space Grant staff.
Award: $3,960 stipend award to offset living expenses during this learning experience.
Program Description
- Beyond financial support, the scholarship program provides optional cohort activities in career development, academic skills, and life skills to build a supportive community of scholars.
- Graduate Fellows are encouraged to participate in structured quarterly check-ins with the Space Grant team to create and refine their individual development roadmaps.
- Model professionalism and create a welcoming environment for undergraduate students in the Space Grant community.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium is a federally-funded workforce development program that supports students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in Washington State. Washington Space Grant opportunities are open and available to all STEM students. Our commitment stands to broaden and enhance access for all, including but not limited to first-generation college students, women, people of color, and those who wish to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Application Open: Nov 30, 2026
Application Closed: Feb 24, 2027
Selection Notification: July 2027
Below are the essay questions you will be asked in your application. See our essay tips (located at the bottom of this page) for additional resources.
Academic Goal and Motivation
Briefly explain how your educational and/or career goals align with NASA’s mission to “explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery”? (150-200 words)
Note: We’re not looking for the most unique research idea! We want to hear how you plan to use your education.
Public Service
Space Grant values meaningful contributions to the community and social impact. Describe your specific contribution to any initiative(s), project(s), or organizations.(150-200 words)
Note: Your description does not have to be STEM-related.
Lived Experiences
Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree? (150-200 words)
Note: See definition of lived experience
Contribution to Cohort
Washington Space Grant (WASG) Program is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community to all students through various student engagement and networking opportunities. Describe how you will contribute to the Space Grant community and what you’re looking forward to gaining from this program.
(50-100 words)
SUMMER FELLOWSHIP ONLY:
Mentorship
This role requires you to work collaboratively with undergraduates and WA Space Grant team to ensure students are engaged with the program and having a good experience. Describe how you would handle the following situations;
a) If an undergraduate student shared with you that they weren’t having a good experience with their lab and faculty member. (50-100 words)
b) If a student missed a meeting and did not respond to you after multiple attempts of communication. (50-100 words)
- How long does the fellowship last?
- It is a 10-week fellowship experience. One week of orientation and the full 9-week summer quarter.
- It is a 10-week fellowship experience. One week of orientation and the full 9-week summer quarter.
- When is the fellowship stipend disbursed?
- Stipend will be disbursed in installments over Summer quarter.
- Stipend will be disbursed in installments over Summer quarter.
- Will there be an interview?
- Top candidates will receive an interview during March.
- How long does the fellowship last?
- The fellowship is one academic year, Fall through Spring quarters, and must be renewed annually. No summer funding available.
- The fellowship is one academic year, Fall through Spring quarters, and must be renewed annually. No summer funding available.
- When is the fellowship stipend disbursed?
- Stipend will be disbursed evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters.
- Stipend will be disbursed evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters.
- Will there be an interview?
- There is no interview requirement for the Academic Year Fellowship.
- There is no interview requirement for the Academic Year Fellowship.
- Is this research funding?
- No, the Space Grant Fellowship is a leadership development program that provides a stipend to supplement your living costs. It is designed as additional funding, not as a replacement for RA or TA appointments
- No, the Space Grant Fellowship is a leadership development program that provides a stipend to supplement your living costs. It is designed as additional funding, not as a replacement for RA or TA appointments
- What kind of professional development and leadership opportunities will be offered?
- Opportunities include career skills building, professional growth workshop, youth engagement, peer mentoring, community building, and public speaking.