Graduate Fellowships

Fellowship applications are closed

Fellowship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are currently closed.

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

For several years, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fellowship supported graduate students whose research, scholarship, or creative work aligned with the OLLI mission of fostering lifelong learning, curiosity, and community engagement. Fellowship programming has shifted out of GRO, but please visit the OLLI website for future opportunities.

Shaw Innovation Mini-Fellowship

The Shaw Innovation Fellowships concluded at the close of the 2025-26 academic year. If you’d like to learn more about the historical Shaw Innovation Fellowship Program, visit the Shaw Program pages.