Summary
This research project aims to examine the role of fellowship funding on engineering students' professional development, redefining fellowships as transformative tools for student success beyond just financial support.
Track 2: Examining the role of fellowships funding on engineering students and their professional development.
US · IL
NSF
grant
awarded
#nsf-2553734
What they want
The project will investigate how fellowships function as mechanisms for pursuing graduate education, financial support, degree completion, and workforce development. It will guide engineering programs and faculty with insights into fellowship design and support strategies to improve retention, accelerate time-to-degree, and prepare students for careers. Through a national-level assessment, the research will uncover implications of fellowships on student recruitment, academic experiences, graduation, and early career outcomes, ultimately influencing national strategies and policies to transform fellowship infrastructure.
Deliverables
- Conceptual models of fellowships for expanding student participation, improving retention, and advancing professional identity
- Transferable set of best practices for funding agencies, academic programs, and faculty to support fellowship holders
