Frequently Asked Questions
Deadline
Q: What is the program deadline to apply?
A: The deadline has been extended to 11:59pm EST on January 31. All reference letters and other materials must be received by this date. Please check this website for any decision to extend the deadline.
Eligibility and Application
Q: How is applicant eligibility determined?
A: To be an eligible applicant, you must be a current NSF GRFP fellow, either on tenure or on reserve, who has completed at least two years of graduate study in an engineering discipline at time of application. To initiate your application, you will be asked to enter your NSF Fellow ID. Please contact the ASEE program manager at aseensfip@asee.org if you are having difficulty finding your identification number.
Q: How is company eligibility determined?
A: To be an eligible company, you must be registered under the designation of "company" or "corporation" within the United States. The company may be of any size. Organizations, such as those designated 501(c)(3), are not eligible for program support.
Q: Am I eligible to apply if I have already earned my MS or PhD?
A: No. Applicants must still be enrolled in an academic program working toward their graduate degree.
Q: Am I eligible to apply if my graduate program is not in an engineering field, but is in a closely related field such as computer science or applied physics?
A: No. Applicants must be earning their graduate degree in an engineering field. This typically means that the field which the degree is in contains the word "engineering" as written on the applicant's transcript.
Q: Am I required to provide proof of citizenship?
A: Yes, before signing your fellowship agreement, you will need to provide proof that you are a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
Q: Can I apply if I have a student or work visa?
A: No. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents to participate in this program.
Q: I do not have certain documents in PDF format and do not have a PDF writer installed on my computer. How can I work around this?
A: If you do not have PDF writer on your machine, there are several free sites online that will convert documents in other formats to PDF.
Q: As an applicant, if I apply for a specific research opportunity, may I contact that company to determine the status of my application?
A: We ask that you do not contact the companies directly until you have been selected by the NSF for that particular research setting.
Q: What should be included in the Biographical Sketch?
A: Applicants are asked to provide a biographical sketch that includes your academic background, past research experience, a list of publications (if any), and/or other pertinent information (e.g. awards, skills and abilities) you consider relevant to determining your overall suitability for participation in EIFP. The Biographical Sketch can be uploaded via PDF file.
Q: What should be included in the Project Description? Does it refer only to the summer position to which I am applying?
A: An applicant may apply for up to three opportunities. Each description should address specific requirements for the opportunity but also broader professional development vision. The description must include the following:
a. Plan of proposed research activities that describes how the Fellow will:
i. Take advantage of specialized expertise, equipment, facilities, field sites, data, and/or other resources at the proposed industry location.
ii. Build industrial collaborations that will enhance and provide building blocks for the Fellow’s professional network.
b. Explanation of how the proposed industrial research activities will integrate into the Fellow’s graduate degree program and future career goals.
c. Timeline for research/innovation activities. Fellows may propose multiple activities over several fellowship years. There is no limit to the duration or frequency of the activities proposed, which must be completed by either a) the time the Fellow finishes the graduate program in which he or she is currently enrolled, or b) within the 5-year period of the Graduate Research Fellowship, whichever comes first.
Workshop
Q: What if I cannot attend the Future Innovators Workshop in Washington, D.C., because of other important commitments?
A: Participation in the workshop is mandatory and is a condition of acceptance of the award. The purpose of the workshop is to promote professional development and enhance your fellowship experience.
Stipend
Q: Is there a housing or travel allowance included in the stipend?
A: No. The stipend is all inclusive and does not include a housing or travel allowance nor does it include travel to the mandatory workshop in Washington, D.C.
Q: Will I receive my regular GRF funding during the fellowship period?
A: Yes, the EIFP stipend is in addition to your regular GRF funding and will be disbursed separately directly by ASEE.
Fellowship Period
Q: I see that the fellowship period is 10-12 weeks. Can I split that up to fulfill other commitments over the summer?
A: No, you must participate in the program for a continuous period fulfilling a minimum of ten weeks.
Q: If I am on tenure, will I have to forfeit my fellowship for the summer months?
A: No, you will still receive your NSF GRFP stipend.
Last Updated: January 31, 2012 02:59 PM
