Thank you for your interest in WPI’s Presidential Fellowship. We accept applications for Presidential Fellowship each year from the Fall through January 1 for consideration for the award to begin in the Fall thereafter. We announce each year’s Fellows by April.
The objective of the program is to increase the participation of students with a strong committment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our doctoral programs and ultimately careers in science, technology, engineering, math, or business disciplines. Presidential Fellows will receive a $35,000 stipend for 12 months, in addition to full tuition. Through their doctoral work, fellows will elevate the research profile of the university and find new ways to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time.
The Award:
- Supports graduate students as they pursue their PhD program
- Provides exclusive training opportunities and professional development workshops through a cohort experience
- Includes access to additional $1,500 for conference travel
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a US citizen, naturalized citizen, or permanent resident
- Applicant must meet or exceed standard WPI admission requirements
- Applicant must be seeking full-time PhD study
- Applicants that meet the above criteria are eligible to apply
- Applicants from an underrepresented group working in a science, technology, engineering, math, or business discipline are strongly encouraged to apply
Application:
- Prospective students interested in being considered for a Presidential Fellowship must complete an application for admission into one of WPI's PhD programs and select the option for expressing interest in the Presidential Fellowship.
- Prospective students that indicate on their graduate application that they are interested in the Presidential Fellowship will be prompted to address the following question: Please write a reflective one-page essay on your experiences with marginalization and how it has affected your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and/or how you have committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive environment.
Find your passion. Change the world.
Melissa M., a PhD student in Biology and Biotechnology at WPI, tells the story of how she found a passion for saving the bees, during a time of steep decline in populations. “What motivates me is that I want to make a difference in this world.”