/ January 10, 2025

Student application deadline: 

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12 pm (noon).

Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium is a federally-funded workforce development program that supports students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in Washington State. Washington Space Grant opportunities are open and available to all STEM students. Our commitment stands to broaden and enhance access for all, including but not limited to first-generation college students, women, people of color, and those who wish to pursue careers in STEM fields. 

This Graduate Fellow opportunity is for University of Washington graduate students only. There are two Graduate Fellowship Opportunities: (1) Summer Fellowship and (2) Academic Year Fellowship. You can apply to one or both fellowship opportunities. 

Eligibility

  • US Citizen Only.

  • Currently enrolled or admitted in a STEM graduate program at UW-Seattle.

  • Space Grant Scholars should be enrolled in an approved STEM major. If you don’t see your degree program listed, you may still be eligible, email nasa@uw.edu to ask.

To Apply:

This is a two-part application process. You must complete both steps to ensure successful completion of your application.

  1. Registration with NASA STEM Gateway System.

    1. If you are not registered in NASA STEM Gateway, create a student profile by following these INSTRUCTIONS. Once in your profile, apply for the fellowship using this LINK. 

    2.  If you have an existing NASA STEM Gateway account, apply for the fellowship using this LINK.

NOTE: *For direct assistance on NASA STEM Gateway accounts, visit this Help Page

  1. Complete the WASG Graduate Fellow APPLICATION FORM

Application Deadline: February 20, 2026 @12pm (noon). 

Questions? Drop in Office Hours: February 3, 2026 4-5pm via Zoom or email us at nasa@uw.edu. 

Summer Fellowship: 

Graduate Fellows in the summer will support the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Fellows will mentor a cohort of undergraduate students in professional development that includes providing advice and offering tips to succeed in a research environment. Grad Fellows will present short workshops for a cohort of undergraduate STEM students on topics such as: How to Write an Abstract, What is a Literature Review, and Applying to Grad School. For more information, reference SURP program details here.

Award: $7,425 Funds will be distributed in installments over a 10-week period.

Program Schedule & Expectations

  • Available for the entire 10-week program, June 15 - Aug 21, 2026. 30 hours/per week.

  • Be available to lead cohort meetings, weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays.

  • Coordinate 1-2 cohort team building event and/or activity. Collaborate with other summer programs to enhance the summer learning experience.

  • Attend the in-person Poster Symposium, tentative dates: Aug 19 or 20, 2026, at UW - Seattle campus. 

  • Serve as a mentor for undergraduate students by demonstrating professionalism and creating a welcoming environment. 

Academic Year Fellowship: 

Graduate Fellows in the academic year will support WASG’s programs, initiatives, and events to further the progress of our mission. Fellows will receive opportunities for mentorship and year round support from Space Grant staff. Fellows will have the opportunity to network with affiliate institutions and industry partners. For more information, reference the WASG programs here. 

Award: $3,960 Funds will be distributed evenly across Fall 2026, Winter 2027, and Spring 2027.

Program Schedule & Expectations

  • Be available to support the STEM Leadership Collective Workshop during Winter Quarter.

  • Participate in occasional outreach programs for K-12 and community partners.

  • Serve as a mentor  for undergraduate students by demonstrating professionalism and creating a welcoming environment. 

Application Essay Questions:

  1. Academic Goal and Motivation 

Briefly explain how your educational and/or career goals align with NASA's mission to "explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery"? (150-200 words) 

  1. Public Service  

Space Grant values meaningful contributions to the community and social impact. Describe your specific contribution to any initiative(s), project(s), or organizations. (150-200 words) Note: Your description does not have to be STEM-related.

  1. Lived Experiences

Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree? (150-200 words) Note: See definition of lived experience.

  1. Contribution to Cohort

Washington Space Grant (WASG) Program is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community to all students through various student engagement and networking opportunities.  Describe how you will contribute to the Space Grant community and what you're looking forward to gaining from this program. (50-100 words)

  1. Mentorship 

This role requires you to work collaboratively with undergraduates and WA Space Grant team to ensure students are engaged with the program and having a good experience. Describe how you would handle the following situations;

  1. If an undergraduate student shared with you that they weren’t having a good experience with their lab and faculty member. (50-100 words)

  2. If a student missed a meeting and did not respond to you after multiple attempts of communication. (50-100 words)

Check Out Our Essay Tips 

For more information and/or to apply:
https://forms.gle/3JmWJ21bT6fm9rck9
Deadline: 02/20/2026 12:00 Pacific Time