1. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Kristin Beck
9:00 – 9:15: Eat, be merry, wake up!
9:15 – 10:00: Presentation
10:00 – 10:20: Register in FastLane
10:20 – 11:00: Questions, Work on application

2. Overview What is the NSF Graduate Fellowship program? Program goals
Eligibility
How to apply
Deadlines
Proposal elements

3. NSF Graduate Fellowship Program
Supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science and engineering: Computer & Information Science & Engineering Chemistry Physics & Astronomy Engineering Psychology Geosciences Social Sciences Life Sciences STEM Education & Materials Research Learning Research Mathematical Sciences

4. Program Goals
Select, recognize and financially support individuals early in their careers with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientist and engineers
Broaden participation in science and engineering of underrepresented groups (women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans)

5. Program Offers Funding for 3 (out of 5 years of graduate school)
Stipend: $34,000/year
Tuition: $12,000/year

6. Eligibility
Earned bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering field prior to Fall 2019
Awardees must be enrolled in a graduate program the U.S. in an eligible field by Fall 2019 (confirmation due by May 1, 2019)
U.S. Citizenship
Maximum of three years of support, over five years
Announcement date: April 2019
Individuals may apply as an undergraduate senior, as well as post-baccalaureate (before beginning graduate training); May apply in start of 2nd year of grad. school
Effective as the 2017 competition, graduate students are limited to only one application

7. How to Apply Must register with FastLane
Need three reference letters by approx. November 6 (submitted electronically through FastLane GRFP Application Module)
Submit the following through the FastLane GRFP Application Module: Personal Information; Education and Other Experiences; Background and Future Goals Statement; Graduate Research Plan Statement; Eligibility Statement; Transcripts; Names & s of References

8. Standard Application Information
8.5” x 11” page size
12-point font, Times New Roman
10-point font may be used for references, footnotes, figure captions and text within figures
1” margin on all sides
Single spaced or greater

9. Proposal Sections Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals
3 pages
Graduate Research Plan Statement
2 pages
Page limits include references, citations, charts, figures, images, list of publications and presentations
Eligibility Statement
For applicants who have completed more than 12 months of graduate study and meet the extenuating circumstance requirement
1 page

10. Proposal Sections Transcripts Three Reference Letters
Required for all institutions listed by the applicant in the FastLane GRFP Module
Required from baccalaureate institution and for all graduate work with a start date prior to the Fall 2018 term
Redact personally identifiable information (date of birth, SSN) before uploading
Three Reference Letters
From non-family members
Uploaded by reference
2 page limit per letter
Should address NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, include details explaining nature of relationship,

11. Proposal Sections Three Reference Letters From non-family members
Uploaded by reference
2 page limit per letter
Should address NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, include details explaining nature of relationship, comments on the applicant’s potential for contributing to a globally-engaged US science and engineering workforce, applicant’s academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about applicant’s proposed research.
Recommended you provide a copy of your application materials to your reference

12. Review Criteria What is the potential for the proposed activity to:
Advance knowledge & understanding within its own field or others
Benefit to society or advance desired societal outcomes
Proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts
Plan for carrying out proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on sound rationale? Plan to assess success?
How well qualified is in the individual or team?
Adequate resources available to carry out the research?

13. Deadlines October 21 October 22 October 24 October 25
Geosciences; Life Sciences
October 22
Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Engineering; Materials Research
October 24
Social Sciences; Psychology; STEM Education & Learning
October 25
Chemistry; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

14. How to register in FastLane
We will do it now!

15. Personal Statement 3 Pages: Introductory paragraph
Personal, Professional, Educational Experiences
Competencies, Team/Interdisciplinary Skills, Leadership
Career Aspirations
Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts
Concluding Paragraph

16. Research Plan 2 pages Title Keywords Introduction Hypothesis
Anticipated Results
Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts
References (Literature Citations)

17. Statement Hints Clearly Label Statement Headings
Keep in mind that NSF does not just seek to fund scientists and engineers; NSF seeks to fund future STEM leaders.
Be yourself.
Use appropriate scientific form (hypothesis, figures, references) in the Graduate Research Statement.
Don't get bogged down in the specifics, or be overly technical.
Develop a consistent theme in both of the statements.
Be concise and format your statements effectively. Remember that reviewers will have limited time to read your application. Clearly labeling different sections and addressing explicitly each requirement will make the statement more effective and clear for reviewers.
Keep in mind that NSF does not just seek to fund scientists and engineers; NSF seeks to fund future STEM leaders. Use the statements to show leadership potential, self-starter capabilities, and the ability to work well with others (scientists, students, people in the community, etc.).  Show passion, motivation for a STEM career, and initiative in your past research and other experiences.
Be yourself.  An application that conveys a clear sense of who you are as a person, with a narrative that has energy and flow, will generally be better received than an application that is impersonal and flat. Remember that the GRFP recognizes individuals based on their demonstrated potential for significant achievements in science and engineering.  That is, the potential of individuals is evaluated, not just the proposed research.
Use appropriate scientific form (hypothesis, figures, references) in the Graduate Research Statement.
Don't get bogged down in the specifics, or be overly technical. Instead of elaborate details on theory, focus on the rationale for your studies and the existing literature as it supports your proposed work. While reviewers will generally be knowledge experts in your general field, they probably will not be experts in your specific proposed research topic.
Develop a consistent theme in both of the statements, weaving together your personal story with your academic and career plans and past experiences to make a compelling case why NSF should award you the fellowship. The decision will be based on your demonstrated potential for significant achievements in science and engineering. Keep in mind that reviewers will read your complete application package.

18. Questions & Contact Info
Kristin Beck