Who We Are
Founded in 1989, the Graduate Fellowships for STEM Development (GFSD) program was created to expand access to advanced STEM education and cultivate the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders.
What We Do
GFSD is a national partnership among federal agencies, research laboratories, universities, and industry leaders, all working together to strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce through merit-based fellowships and professional research experiences.
Our Foundation
Headquartered in partnership with the University of Southern California, GFSD is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are sustained by the collaboration and generosity of our sponsors and institutional partners, who share our vision for advancing excellence and opportunity in STEM.
GFSD is formerly known as the National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC) and Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity
Fellowship Benefits and Opportunities
Graduate Fellowship Funding
Each Fellow receives an annual $20,000 award to support their graduate studies. Fellowships are typically renewable for three to six years, in collaboration with our partner agencies and organizations. Renewal is based on satisfactory academic progress and continued program alignment.
Professional Internship Experience
Fellows have the opportunity to complete paid summer internships with federal agencies, research institutions, or industry partners. Some agencies may require multiple years of participation or additional clearances (such as security screening). For questions, please contact us at gfsd@stemfellowships.org.
Supportive Community and Mentorship
Our team provides ongoing guidance throughout your graduate journey—from academic and professional support to connecting you with a vibrant network of current Fellows and alumni. This community offers mentorship, career insights, and lasting professional relationships that extend well beyond graduate school.
What We Offer to Our Partners
Access to Exceptional Graduate Talent
Connect with a national network of highly qualified graduate students and emerging researchers across STEM disciplines. Our Fellows represent the next generation of innovators, ready to contribute their expertise to academic, government, and industry advancements.
Flexible Partnership Models
Collaborate through a customizable fellowship structure tailored to meet your organization’s goals. Whether through targeted research areas, internship placements, or specialized mentorship opportunities, our program adapts to support your workforce and innovation priorities.
Strategic Workforce Investment
Our fellowship model provides a cost-effective, high-impact way to strengthen your future workforce pipeline. By partnering with us, you help cultivate leaders equipped to solve complex challenges and drive technological progress.
Partner With Us
If your organization is interested in developing a fellowship partnership or hosting a Fellow, please contact us at gfsd@stemfellowships.org.
Merit-Based Impact and Success
61%
Advancing Women in STEM
More than half of our Fellows are women, reflecting our commitment to expanding access and recognition for top-performing scholars across all STEM disciplines.
33%
Expanding Participation in Graduate Education
One-third of our Fellows come from backgrounds historically excluded from STEM. By identifying and supporting exceptional talent, we help strengthen the nation’s innovation capacity and ensure that merit and opportunity go hand in hand.
600+
Fellows Supported and Growing
To date, more than six hundred graduate students have received fellowship support—each contributing to groundbreaking research, technological innovation, and leadership in academia, industry, and government.
Interested in Applying?
Are you a current or prospective graduate student in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)? Are you preparing to take the next step in your academic and research journey?
Learn more about our fellowship program, eligibility criteria, and application process to see how we can support your graduate success.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The 2026 fellowship application cycle is open until January 15, 2026.
Contact Us
USC – 837 Downey Way
STO – Suite 113
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Phone: (800) 854-6772 or (213) 821-2409
Fax: (213) 821-6329
email: gfsd@stemfellowships.org