Graduate Equity Fellowship
The Graduate Equity Fellowship program provides support for economically disadvantaged graduate students, especially from groups who are underrepresented within their respective disciplines. Fellowships range from $500 to $2,000 for an academic year depending on the demonstrated need. Students must demonstrate the potential to succeed in graduate school and to complete a graduate degree program in no more than two years as evidenced by undergraduate coursework and letters of recommendation.
Students may receive awards for a maximum of two academic years, but they must apply each year. Post-baccalaureate, second master's degree students, and doctoral students are ineligible.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Students that are legal California residents
- Master's students (not available for second master's degree students or doctoral students) that are conditional classified or classified
- Completed the free FAFSA or Dream Act application
- Enroll in at least 6 units of graduate work related to the master's degree for the fall and spring semesters
- Maintain a 3.00 GPA
- Have at least $1,000 of financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office
Interested students should complete an application and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Those who are eligible should complete a CA Dream Act application.
Application Submission Checklist
- Student Essay: The essay should address specific circumstances that contribute to the need as well as your academic progress toward earning your degree. Limit 1 page (single spaced, or 2 double spaced).
- Graduate Advisor Endorsement: The completed form will be uploaded to your application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate coursework (and unofficial SDSU transcripts for continuing Master's students)
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members)
- The letters of recommendation do not have to come from SDSU faculty members. They can come from faculty members from your undergraduate institution.
- The letters can either be sent to you to upload into Interfolio or you can send an email from Interfolio to the faculty members to upload themselves, whichever option is preferred.
Important Reminder
The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR) and the student’s home college will be consulted to ensure that the student is in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or their program’s Graduate Professional Standards.
Award nominees: A potential awardee is subject to being deemed ineligible for an award if (a) it is determined by CSRR that the student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and/or (b) if the program notifies the College of Graduate Studies that the student has violated their program’s Graduate Professional Standards.
Current awardees: A current student awardee is subject to having their fellowship or scholarship rescinded if (a) it is determined by CSRR that the student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and/or (b) if the program notifies the College of Graduate Studies that the student has violated their program’s Graduate Professional Standards.
How to Apply
The application for the 2024-2025 Graduate Equity Fellowship is now closed. The application period began on July 8, 2024 and ended on September 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Have questions? Reach out to [email protected] for more information.
