Washington Space Grant Consortium (WASG) offers a fellowship program for graduate students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) at the University of Washington Seattle (UW).
The Washington Space Grant Fellowship program creates opportunities for graduate students to cultivate their leadership skills and gain a sense of belonging in the STEM community.
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.
- Have demonstrated financial need via FAFSA or WASFA application.
- Currently enrolled or admitted in a STEM graduate program at UW-Seattle.
- Space Grant Scholars should be enrolled in an approved STEM major. If you don’t see your degree program listed, you may still be eligible, email nasa@uw.edu to ask.
Students from underrepresented backgrounds (American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian), individuals with disabilities, and first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Summer Fellowship:
Graduate Fellows in the summer will support the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Fellows will mentor a cohort of 10 undergraduate students in professional development that includes providing advice and offering tips to succeed in a research environment. For more information, reference SURP program details here.
Award: $9,900 Funds will be distributed in installments over a 10-week period.
Program Schedule & Expectations
- Available for the entire 10-week program, June 16 - Aug 22, 2025.
- Be available to lead cohort meetings, weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Attend the in-person Poster Symposium on August 20, 2025, at UW - Seattle campus.
- Serve as a role model for undergraduate students, especially from underrepresented identities, 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 receive opportunities for mentorship and year round support from Space Grant staff. Fellows will have the opportunity to network with affiliate institutions and industry partners. For more information, reference the WASG programs here.
Award: $9,000 Funds will be distributed evenly across Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026.
Program Schedule & Expectations
- Be available to support the STEM Leadership Collective Workshop in Winter Quarter.
- Participate in occasional outreach programs for K-12 and community partners.
- Serve as a role model for undergraduate students, especially from underrepresented identities, by demonstrating professionalism and creating a welcoming environment.
Application Essays Questions
- Academic Goal and Motivation
What are your career goals and how do you think they 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 social impact. Describe your specific contribution to any initiative, project, or organization that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) to your community that aligns with this value. Your example activity does not have to be STEM-related. (150-200 words)
- Lived Experience
Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree? (150-200 words)
- Contribution to Cohort
Washington Space Grant is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community to all students through community-building activities. Describe how you will contribute to the Space Grant cohort (50-100 words)
Essay Tips
- Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards provides general scholarship application tips.
- What is Lived Experience? Check out this guide from the Office of Human Services Policy.
- NASA Space Grant’s objectives include recruiting and training U.S. citizens and residents, especially women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. In your essay responses, highlight how your experience and goals align with Space Grant’s objective.
- We place a strong emphasis on the driving force or motivation behind your academic pursuits. We are not expecting you to explain entirely new original research ideas.
- Your application will be evaluated on the following categories: Academic Goal and Motivation, Public Service, Lived Experiences, and Contribution to Cohort
For more information and/or to apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTLU0Qxh2TzsBbXW4wCTeRgIhUc2eo5fGfjmZHS3JSbUljHw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Deadline: 04/01/2025 12:00 Pacific Time