Fellowships - What can they do for you?, Grad School Article

One of the most important parts of the college experience is making friends and connecting with others in a stimulating environment. This holds true in graduate school, too. But this time around, you may find a fellowship can really be a student's best buddy. Fellowships are a great way to supplement your income and help you gain experience in your field of study. Through fellowships, a student can develop a bond with a professor or learn how to conduct a class--and they aren't too bad for the old resume either. Depending on the school, positions are available for both the accomplished and novice grad student. One of the largest areas of concentration at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, is the nursing program, says Financial Aid Counselor Trish Johnson. Students enrolled in this program can earn their master's degree in nursing, and some even go on to get their post master's nursing certificate. Dr. Carleen Maynard, director of graduate programs in nursing, explained that, while the department does not offer traditional fellowships, full-time students can apply for nursing traineeships. Each year, the school submits a grant application, and the money it receives is divided up among the full-time students who also work part-time as nurses. The funds, which were divvied out to about 15 of the 63 students in the program last semester, go directly toward tuition costs. Though the amount varies from year to year, depending on the number of eligible students who apply, the traineeship is a perennial favorite. " All the students apply for it, of course," said Maynard. If nursing isn't your goal, don't fret. Many schools offer a wealth of fellowships for graduate students in a slew of subjects. At the University of Texas-Permian Basin in Odessa, students must have half of their graduate work completed before they can become associate instructors. New students are encouraged to apply for grader or research assistant positions. These fellowships, which are funded by state money, are meant to help students become comfortable with both halves of the classroom environment-as a student and as an educator. The school also offers various positions in student life activities that are reserved especially for graduate students. These include jobs in student government, event planning, and tutoring at learning centers. All jobs are paid, and students receive these coveted positions by applying for them like a traditional job. The school's goal is to have at least two students from each program in one of these positions. Noting the jobs' academic qualities, J. Tillipaugh, assistant vice president of graduate studies and research sponsorship, said, "We feel that it's especially good for people who are apt to end up as professors in these positions." History buffs have a special place in the university's heart-and pockets. Master's candidates on the thesis track can apply for the Permian History Fellowship, which was endowed by a private donor and is awarded to two graduate students annually. Some students would go to the ends of the earth to find the perfect program, but you don't have to go quite that far. Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu is a fellowship-friendly school with a nice view to boot. John Stanley, domestic admission coordinator, said graduate students at HPU can apply for the Dean's Scholarship, which pays 20% of a student's tuition, or the Trustee's Scholarship, which will slash your tuition bill in half. Graduate assistant positions and research positions are also available. The university also boasts an extensive study abroad program, and financial aid is available. If you're one of the 1,500 graduate students running around campus, though, it's hard to imagine why you'd want to leave! Those who are interested should contact student life at HPU. Though many fellowships are based on academic performance, Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers need-based financial aid as well. According to Paul Karoff, vice president for university affairs, "The program is earmarked for students from underprivileged and historically underserved populations." Lesley also offers the Balfour Scholars award for grad students working toward their M.Ed. and initial teacher certifications. This program, which provides students with a greatly lowered tuition rate and an additional stipend, is geared in particular to students of color who are committed to teaching in inner city classrooms.