Graduate Fellowships

There are three primary graduate fellowship programs at USM. Select an icon to jump to information, benefits to participation, application processes, and more for each one.

GRO Fellowship

OLLI Fellowship

Shaw Innovation Mini-Fellowship

GRO Fellowship Overview

Are you a graduate student eager to make a meaningful impact through research while connecting with the Graduate Research Opportunity (GRO) Program community? Consider applying for the GRO Fellowship!

The GRO Fellowship is designed to support and nurture talented graduate students across various disciplines, offering the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research, collaborate with distinguished faculty, and further your groundbreaking projects.

As a GRO Fellow, you will have the opportunity to:

• Engage in Interdisciplinary Research: Work on innovative projects that span multiple fields, providing a comprehensive and diverse learning experience.
• Enhance Your Skills: Gain advanced knowledge in research methodologies, data analysis, dissemination, and IRB protocols.
• Contribute to Real-World Solutions: Address pressing societal issues and make a tangible impact through policy and intervention development.
• Receive Mentorship and Support: Benefit from personalized guidance from faculty mentors, peers, and alumni, plus access to USM’s extensive resources.
• Advance Your Career: Build a strong foundation for your future through practical research skills and experiences that set you apart in the job market.
• Make a Difference: Play a key role in addressing social problems and supporting diverse communities in Maine and beyond.
• Collaborate and Network: Join a vibrant cohort of scholars and practitioners committed to advancing knowledge and creating positive change.
• Receive Financial Support: Fellows receive a $3,000 scholarship to focus on research and professional development.

GRO Fellowship Terms and Conditions

It is the responsibility of all graduate students to review and agree to the GRO Fellowship Terms & Conditions before applying. These guidelines, developed with input from faculty, staff, and graduate students, are aligned with University of Maine System (UMS) and USM policies.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the GRO Fellowship, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a current graduate student at USM, matriculated in a degree or certificate program.
• Must have completed at least one semester of graduate study at USM.
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good academic standing.
• Must demonstrate a strong academic record and commitment to ethical and equitable research practices and impact.
• Must be eager to engage in research and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field.

Failure to meet the terms and conditions may result in forfeiture of the fellowship.

Program Requirements for Fellows Once Awarded

All fellows are expected to:

1. Complete onboarding paperwork promptly upon selection.
2. Join and actively participate in the GRO Brightspace page and GRO/OLLI Fellowship Cohort.
3. Attend all GRO events (absence at one event per year is permitted).
4. Present at Thinking Matters during the fellowship year.
5. Complete a feedback survey at the end of the year.
6. Remain consistently and actively engaged in research, spend funds only on approved expenses, and maintain communication and participation within the GRO/OLLI Fellowship cohort.

Application Content

To apply, you will need to prepare and upload the following materials (Word or PDF format):

1. Cover Letter: Maximum 850 words, addressing all four prompts:
   • Understanding Interdisciplinary Research (400 words max)
     • What is your understanding of interdisciplinary research, and why is it important in addressing societal challenges?
     • How do your academic and professional goals align with these principles?
   • Commitment to Ethical Research Practices (200 words max)
     • Describe a situation in which you encountered an ethical dilemma in your academic or professional work. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
   • Relevant Experience and Skills (150 words max)
     • Highlight experiences that have prepared you for impactful research, with examples.
   • Time Management and Commitment (100 words max)
     • Explain how you plan to manage your time and workload to meet program requirements.
2. Current Resume or CV: Highlighting academic achievements and research experience.
3. Research Proposal: Maximum two pages, single spaced, including:
   • Title: Clear and concise.
   • Introduction & Background: Context, significance, and purpose.
   • Research Question(s) & Objectives: Clear, specific, and aligned with the purpose.
   • Methodology: Detailed and feasible, including data collection and analysis.
   • Significance & Impact: How your research contributes to the field and addresses gaps.
   • Timeline & Budget: Realistic milestones and itemized budget.
4. Letter of Support: From a faculty member who can speak to your qualifications, potential, and commitment to the project.

OLLI Fellowship Overview

Are you a graduate student eager to make a meaningful impact through research while connecting with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) community? Consider applying for the OLLI Fellowship!

The OLLI Fellowship supports graduate students whose research, scholarship, or creative work aligns with the OLLI mission of fostering lifelong learning, curiosity, and community engagement. As an OLLI Fellow, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, fellow graduate students, and OLLI members, while advancing a project that bridges academic research and public engagement.

As an OLLI Fellow, you will:

• Engage in Interdisciplinary Research: Conduct work that connects across fields and fosters broad, inclusive understanding.
• Enhance Your Skills: Strengthen your research design, data analysis, and public presentation abilities.
• Share Your Work with the Community: Present to OLLI members, contribute to public learning, and create meaningful dialogue around your project.
• Receive Mentorship and Support: Access guidance from faculty mentors and feedback from the OLLI and GRO community.
• Advance Your Career: Gain experience in translating academic research for diverse audiences, enhancing your professional profile.
• Collaborate and Network: Join a unique fellowship cohort with graduate students and OLLI members committed to lifelong learning.
• Receive Financial Support: Fellows receive a $3,000 scholarship to focus on their research and public engagement.

OLLI Fellowship Terms and Conditions

It is the responsibility of all USM graduate students to review and agree to the OLLI Fellowship Terms & Conditions before applying. These guidelines, developed with input from faculty, staff, graduate students, and OLLI representatives, are aligned with University of Maine System (UMS) and USM policies.

Application Content

To apply, you will need to prepare and upload the following materials (Word or PDF format):

1. Cover Letter: Maximum 850 words, addressing all four prompts:
   • Understanding Interdisciplinary Research (400 words max)
     • What is your understanding of interdisciplinary research, and why is it important in addressing societal challenges?
     • How do your academic and professional goals align with these principles?
   • Commitment to Ethical Research Practices (200 words max)
     • Describe a situation in which you encountered an ethical dilemma in your academic or professional work. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
   • Relevant Experience and Skills (150 words max)
     • Highlight experiences that have prepared you for impactful research, with examples.
   • Time Management and Commitment (100 words max)
     • Explain how you plan to manage your time and workload to meet program requirements.
2. Current Resume or CV: Highlighting academic achievements and research experience.
3. Research Proposal: Maximum two pages, single spaced, including:
   • Title: Clear and concise.
   • Introduction & Background: Context, significance, and purpose.
   • Research Question(s) & Objectives: Clear, specific, and aligned with the purpose.
   • Methodology: Detailed and feasible, including data collection and analysis.
   • Significance & Impact: How your research contributes to the field and addresses gaps, including community relevance.
   • Timeline & Budget: Realistic milestones and itemized budget.
4. Letter of Support: From a faculty member who can speak to your qualifications, potential, and commitment to the project.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the OLLI Fellowship, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a current graduate student at USM or admitted for the upcoming academic year, matriculated in a degree or certificate program.
• Must have completed at least one semester of graduate study at USM (or be a newly admitted student for the award year).
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good academic standing.
• Must demonstrate a strong academic record and an interest in community engagement.
• Must be eager to share research with the OLLI community and contribute to its mission.

Failure to meet the terms and conditions may result in forfeiture of the fellowship.

Program Requirements for Fellows Once Awarded

All OLLI Fellows are expected to:

1. Complete onboarding paperwork promptly upon selection.
2. Join and actively participate in the GRO Brightspace page and GRO/OLLI cohort.
3. Attend all GRO/OLLI events (absence at one event per year is permitted).
4. Present to The OLLI Board during the spring semester.
5. Complete a feedback survey at the end of the year.
6. Remain consistently and actively engaged in research, use funds only on approved expenses, and maintain communication and participation in the OLLI /GRO Fellowship cohort.

Shaw Innovation Mini-Fellowship Overview

The Shaw Innovation Fellowships are back—for one year only! Thanks to the remaining funds generously donated by the Shaw Family, the program will return in 2025–26 as $500 mini-fellowships.

Previously known as the Shaw Innovation Fellowship Program, this special one-year version will be administered under the Graduate Research Opportunity (GRO) Program. These mini-fellowships are designed to help graduate students bring their projects to life by providing $500 scholarships to support specific research-related expenses. These funds can help you push your research to the next level.

• Funding Available: 8 mini-fellowships for the 2025–26 academic year
• Award Amount: $500 scholarships
• Application Cycle: Rolling, while funds last
• Eligibility: Open to USM graduate students (see full requirements below)

If you’d like to learn more about the historical Shaw Innovation Fellowship Program, visit the Shaw Program subsite.

Who Can Apply

• Open to eligible USM graduate students.
• Applicants must meet all current eligibility and qualification requirements (see policies below).
• Not eligible: GRO Fellows and OLLI Fellows.

Before You Apply

• Policies and requirements may have changed from previous years; please review them carefully before submitting your application. Only complete, accurate, and eligible applications will be considered. Applications that do not meet all criteria will be disqualified.

How Funding is Distributed

• Funds will be distributed as a scholarship and processed as part of your student financial aid package. The exact way this looks can vary depending on your financial aid status, tuition balance, and timing of the award.
• The GRO office will work with each student once awarded to guide them through the process in a way that fits their individual situation and needs best.

Shaw Innovation Mini-Fellowships Terms and Conditions

It is the responsibility of all graduate students to review and agree to these Terms & Conditions before submitting an application. These guidelines, developed with input from faculty, staff, and graduate students, are fully aligned with University of Maine System (UMS) and University of Southern Maine (USM) policies.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The purpose of the Shaw Innovation Fellowship is to:

• Provide targeted financial support for expenses directly related to conducting or presenting graduate research.
• Award amounts are $500 scholarships per student.
• Funding availability is limited and not guaranteed through posted deadlines.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee an award.
• Students will have the option to present their research at Thinking Matters.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a USM graduate student, matriculated in a degree or certificate program, enrolled in at least 3 credits during the semester the funds are used.
• Have completed at least one semester at USM.
• Be in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher) and making satisfactory academic progress.
• Be conducting faculty-mentored research, scholarship, or creative work.
• Have a letter of recommendation from their faculty mentor.
• Not be graduating before the funds are used (graduation date = program completion date, not ceremony date).
• Forfeit the award if eligibility changes before funds are spent.

Process

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during open cycles.
• Apply at least four weeks before the funds are needed
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or ineligible applications will not be funded.
• Reviews may take up to four weeks.

Post-Award

Award Acceptance & Use

• Award notifications are sent by email with instructions.
• Students must accept within two weeks or the funds will be forfeited.

Follow-Up

• Awardees must coordinate with staff to process funds within four weeks of the award letter.
• Students will have the option to present their research at Thinking Matters.
• Students are encouraged to complete a year-end feedback survey.

Non-Compliance

• Failure to follow these terms may result in forfeiture of funds and/or loss of future fellowship eligibility.

Application Information

When applications are being accepted, the link for submissions will be posted here.

Before you begin your application, we strongly recommend reviewing our sample application (PDF) to understand the level of detail and formatting expected.

Review sample application