1. “WHY GRADUATE SCHOOL?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc. Presented by: Dr. Sandra Cruz-Pol Associate Professor- ECE UPRM

2. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 2 FAQs BY STUDENTS  Why Should I Go to Graduate School?  How Can I Pay for Graduate School?  How Do I Apply for Graduate School?  How Do I Apply for a GEM Fellowship?  Where Can I Go to Graduate School?  Tips For Getting Fellowships?

3. “WHY SHOULD I GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.

4. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 4 The National GEM Consortium FOUNDED IN 1976: To provide graduate educational opportunities for underrepresented minorities in engineering and science. MISSION: To enhance the value of the nation’s human capital in engineering and science by increasing the participation of under-represented minorities (Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Other Hispanics) at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.

5. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 5 WE NEED YOU! Source: NACME Research Letter, Vol. 6, Number 1, May 1996

6. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 6 BENEFITS  Increased compensation Higher starting salary Greater ability to earn independently  Enhanced career flexibility Competitive advantage Greater choice of work Greater mobility  Fortified self-confidence Demonstrated ability to perform rigorous tasks

7. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 7 IDENTIFIES YOU AS A LEADER  A seat at the table.  Solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing problems lie in science and engineering: Healthcare (AIDS, Cancer, Alzheimer's) Environment Transportation Communication Civil Infrastructure

8. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” WHO BELIEVES IN GRADUATE EDUCATION? Over 50 GEM employers, including: Hewlett Packard Intel Lexmark Int’l Lucent Merck Microsoft Motorola NASA QUALCOMM Raytheon Sandia Nat’l Lab Siemens Timken Texas Instruments 3M Agilent Technologies AMD BP Amoco Compaq Corning, Inc. Daimler Chrysler Dow Chemical DuPont Eastman Kodak Co. ETS Exxon Mobil Ford Motor Co. General Motors GlaxoSmithKline

9. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 9 TOP COMPANY MEMBERS COMPANYMS ENGPhD ENGPhD SCITOTAL Hewlett-Packard 1000 DuPont 5308 3M 4307 Dow Chemical 4127 Ford Motor Co. 4307 Ford Powertrain 7007 General Motors 7007 Pfizer 1146 Intel 5106

10. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 10 STRATEGIC ALLIANCES National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Golden Torch Awards to GEM Fellows 2000 Outstanding Graduate Student Mekita Davis 1998 MS EE Fellow GA Tech Motorola (Sponsor) 2001 Pioneer of the Year Dr. Terry Alford Material Engineering 1989 MS Fellow NC A&T 1993 Ph.D. Fellow Cornell IBM (Sponsor) AZ State U (Employer) 2000 Technologist of the Year Marvin Johnson 1993 MS Ch E Fellow U of Missouri Rolla DOW Chemical Co (Sponsor) Proctor & Gamble (Employer)

11. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 11 STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (continued) Career Communications Group, Inc. Black Engineer of the Year Awards to GEM Fellows 2002 Student Leadership Award Leon Pickett, Jr. Eng Mechanics Ph.D. Candidate Iowa State University Ford (Sponsor) 2001 Student Leadership Award Amin Holmes MS Elec Eng Fellow GA Tech The MITRE Corp (Sponsor) 2000 Outstanding Young Alumnus Johney Green, Ph.D. MS ME Fellow Oak Ridge Nat’l Lab (Sponsor & Current Employer)

12. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 12 STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (continued) Memorandums of Understanding: Signed May 2000 Signed August 2001 Signed March 2002 Signed in 1999 Signed June 2001 Signed March 2002

13. “HOW CAN I PAY FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.

14. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 14 GEM DELIVERS!  Portable Fellowships to 88 Universities M.S. Engineering Fellowship Program Minimum $10,000 stipend over 3 semesters/4 quarters Full tuition and fees at GEM Member University Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship Program Minimum $14,000 academic year stipend for 5 years Full tuition and fees at GEM Member University Ph.D. Science Fellowship Program Minimum $14,000 academic year stipend for 5 years Full tuition and fees at GEM Member University  Summer Internships at 51 Company Members

15. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 15 OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT  Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA) A form of financial aid where the graduate student is paid for work which is often related to the student’s studies or area of specialization. An RA pays a student to assist a professor on a research project; a TA pays a student to teach sections or classes of undergraduate courses, or to help grade papers or examinations.

16. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 16 RESOURCES FOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION  GEM’s Web site - http://www.gemfellowship.org  The Financial Aid Web site- http://www.finaid.org/  The Graduate Office at your University  The Graduate Office at Universities of interest to you  The department you plan to pursue your degree in  McNair Scholars waives application fees. Go to http://www.ed.gov.offices/OPE/HEP/trio/mcnair  Project 1000 waives up to seven application fees E-mail: project1000@asu.edu Go to http://mati.eas.asu.edu:8421/p1000

17. “HOW DO I APPLY FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.

18. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 18 The Graduate Admissions Process  Graduate School Application: Complete application forms and questionnaires at University and Department levels as required. Submit transcripts, letters of reference, and statement of purpose. Apply for admission at member universities before January 1 st for additional funding opportunities. Take Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Submit ALL documents at once.

19. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 19 The Graduate Admissions Process (continued)  Supporting documents: Ask for STRONG letters of recommendation from faculty. Allow sufficient time for letters to be written (2-3 weeks). Have faculty review statement of purpose before submittal.

20. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 20 The Graduate Admissions Process (continued)  Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Two parts: General and discipline exams; October 2002 new exam guidelines include a writing section. Go to http://www.gre.org Computer based exams offered continuously; Resources include search services, on-line practice exams, and on campus workshops/seminars; Submit GRE scores with admission packet; Review Peterson’s Guide for scores (previous class) submitted at various universities; and Submitting GRE scores is required for funding opportunities at some universities.

21. “HOW DO I APPLY FOR A GEM FELLOWSHIP?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.

22. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 22 GEM FELLOWSHIP PROCESS  First year students should begin exploring options now. Participate in undergraduate research experiences. Gain internship and/or co-op experiences in industry and/or government laboratories.  Juniors may apply. Begin to target specific graduate programs at member universities. Go to web site for list of members.  University alumni/ae are encouraged to apply.  Apply on line at www.gemfellowship.org by December 1 st deadline.

23. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 23 GEM FELLOWSHIP PROCESS (continued)  Eligibility requirements: Minimum 2.8 GPA for MS Engineering Fellowship; Minimum 3.0 GPA for Ph.D. Engineering and Science Fellowships; Submit two (one from faculty) letters of recommendation; Detailed resume; Include statement of purpose; Undergraduate and graduate transcripts; Be member of underrepresented majority group (African American, Latino/a, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and American Indian); and Be a US Citizen.

24. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 24 GEM FELLOWSHIP PROCESS (continued)  Internship Expectations: Internships begin summer before Fall enrollment at member university except Juniors; Juniors complete three internships with employer. M.S. Engineering Fellows are expected to complete two internships with employer sponsor; Ph.D. Engineering and Ph.D. Science Fellows are expected to intern at least once with employer; All interns are evaluated as potential full-time employees; and Employers pay internship salary and travel.

25. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 25 2001 vs. 2002 APPLICANTS

26. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 26 2001 vs. 2002 SELECTIONS

27. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 27 2002 M.S. ENGINEERING APPLICANTS AND SELECTS Applicant Profile: 308 (71%) African Americans 112 (26%) Latinos/a 12 ( 3%) American Indians 200 (46%) Female 363 (84%) >3.0 GPA 190 (44%) >3.3 GPA Select Profile: 80 (73%) African Americans 27 (24%) Latinos/a 3 ( 3%) American Indians 44 (40%) Female 99 (90%) >3.0 GPA 74 (67%) >3.3 GPA 52 (47%) >3.5 GPA

28. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 28 2002 Ph.D. ENGINEERING APPLICANTS AND SELECTS Applicant Profile: 64 (68%) African Americans 27 (29%) Latinos/a 3 ( 3%) American Indians 40 (43%) Female 39 (41%) >3.5 GPA 22 (23%) >3.7 GPA Select Profile: 16 (61%) African Americans 8 (31%) Latinos/a 2 ( 8%) American Indians 13 (50%) Female 13 (50%) >3.5 GPA 8 (31%) >3.7 GPA

29. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 29 2002 Ph.D. SCIENCE APPLICANTS AND SELECTS Applicant Profile: 56 (63%) African Americans 31 (35%) Latinos/a 2 ( 2%) American Indians 60 (67%) Female 41 (46%) >3.5 GPA 19 (21%) >3.7 GPA Select Profile: 5 (50%) African Americans 4 (40%) Latinos/a 1 (10%) American Indian 5 (50%) Female 7 (70%) >3.5 GPA 2 (20%) >3.7 GPA

30. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 30 NETWORK Faculty University Reps GEM Staff Company Reps Alumni/ae network

31. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 31 TIME LINE TO APPLY  September 1 – APPLY ON LINE. Remember to apply to graduate programs at various member universities and take GRE; and Indicate up to four employers of choice on GEM application.  December 1 - Submit GEM Application and Graduate School Application. Selection Committee will match your employer preferences with internship opportunities available.  February 1 - Announcement of GEM Fellows.

32. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 32 TIME LINE TO APPLY (continued)  March - GEM Acceptance Forms Due.  May - Forward Transcript & School Selection to the GEM Office.  May/June - Internship Begins.  August/September - Fall Semester Begins; Meet GEM Representative on Campus.

33. “WHERE CAN I GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.

34. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” Start Your Search Here! Over 80 GEM universities, including: MIT Cornell Columbia Georgia Tech U of Illinois Johns Hopkins U of Michigan Northwestern Penn State Princeton Purdue Yale U of Puerto Rico U of Arizona UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Irvine UCLA UC San Diego Drexel Stanford Texas A&M Rice U of New Mexico U of Notre Dame

35. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 35 TOP UNIVERSITY MEMBERS Fall 2001 Enrollment UNIVERSITYMS ENGPhD ENGPhD SCITOTAL Georgia Tech 3612856 U Michigan 275537 Stanford U 213125 Purdue U 1401024 MIT 141318 U MD College Park 75416 Michigan State 104115 U CA Berkeley 90413 Renesselaer Polytechnic 8019

36. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 36 How to Research a Graduate Program  Research university libraries Peterson’s Guide Chronicle of Higher Education Directory of Graduate Programs  Request information be mailed to you from the department Visit schools you are interested in Surf the Web

37. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 37 How to Research a Graduate Program (continued)  Gradschoolshopper.com Your guide to graduate programs in physics and related fields; go to gradschoolshopper.com, enter search parameters (i.e. geographic or academic preferences), and receive pages meeting these criteria.  Gradschools.com Worldwide web site dedicated to post-baccalaureate educational programs; tens of thousands of programs listed, continually updated; go to gradschools.com, enter search parameters (i.e. geographic or academic preferences), and receive pages meeting these criteria. Student prospector.com - draws prospective students from the gradschools.com web site and offers them a place to create & store a academic profile; recruiters subscribe to this service for a fee.

38. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 38 Identifying a Graduate Program  Are Faculty members conducting research in your area of interest?  What is the educational infrastructure (labs, library, computers, etc.)?  Does the curriculum support your interests?  What are the degree requirements?  What is the average time to degree completion?  Is financial support available?  What will be your work/study environment?  Are the social outlets adequate?

39. “TIPS FOR GETTING FELLOWSHIPS?” “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.

40. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 40 Tips for Getting Fellowships!  Start Early Application deadlines range from early November to early February.  Research your options To find a program or a fellowship that matches your interests and goals, plan on doing some serious research. The money won’t necessarily come to you – you have to go to it (or at least tell them how to find you...).  Pay attention to the restrictions Some programs put a limit on the number of credit hours you can have finished before application.

41. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 41 More Tips!  Follow directions Although this may seem obvious, follow the directions in the application packet to the letter.  The Name Thing... When applying for fellowships, you should be consistent in how you report your name. The name on your SS card, your graduate school admissions application, and your fellowship application should be identical.  Supporting documents matter Letters of Reference and Statements of Purpose can make a difference in the selection process.  Keep trying If you don't get an award one year, apply again next year.

42. “Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders” 42 Q & A Period QUESTIONS?

43. The GEM Consortium P.O. Box 537 Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 631-7771 (574) 287-1486 (Fax) gem.1@nd.edu www.gemfellowship.org