AAHHE GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2025

The 2026 Call for Applications will open in January 2025.

The primary goal of the AAHHE Graduate Student Fellowship Program (GSFP) is to prepare Latina/o/x doctoral scholars for successful careers in academia; however, the program also provides support to Latina/o/x scholars interested in pursuing careers within administration and policy in postsecondary education. Towards this end, program sub-goals include to:

1. Provide strategies to assist scholars in achieving their educational and professional goals
2. Provide constructive feedback on graduate student fellows’ research
3. Build community and network with other Latina/o/x scholars

Eligibility

To be considered for the GSFP applicants must:

• Be Latina/o/x enrolled in a doctoral program
• Aspire to enter postsecondary professoriate and/or administration
• Exhibit a track record of service to the Hispanic and/or Latina/o/x community 

Graduate Student Program Fellows will be required to become AAHHE members ($50) upon selection.

Schedule

AAHHE Graduate Student Program Fellows must attend and actively participate in all GSFP events. The GSFP program will begin in September 2024 with a welcome/orientation followed by bi-monthly webinars from October 2024 through March 2025. 

Graduate Student Program Fellows will also be required to attend select events during the AAHHE 2025 Annual Conference from March 19-21, 2025. The AAHHE 2025 Annual Pre-Conference and Conference registration fee will be waived for Graduate Student Program Fellows. 

Important Dates

Application Process

1. Applicants are required to complete and submit an application form via the AAHHE submission portal by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, June 14, 2024.
2. The following additional documents should be uploaded as ONE PDF at the end of the online application by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 14, 2024.
1. Statement of Interest addressing the questions below (max of 1,000 words)
• Why are you interested in participating in the AAHHE Graduate Student Fellowship Program?
• Explanation of long-range career goals and how this fellowship will advance your career
• Explain how your interests and experiences enable you to contribute to the AAHHE membership community.
2. Academic Research Statement (max of 500 words):
• Pre-Doctoral Candidates
1. Description of the chosen area of study and the research issue of interest
2. Do you have compelling research or life experiences that make you competitive and most likely to succeed in this project?
3. Explain how your research could contribute to desired social and political outcomes for the Latine community or society at large
• Doctoral Candidates
1. Description of the dissertation project and how it is situated in relation to other scholars. What is new and different about your research?
2. Narrative about your work process on the dissertation. What is your research question? What is the purpose or aim (as well as sub-aims) of your proposed research? Why are you passionate about this specific research topic?
3. Explain how your research could contribute to desired social and political  outcomes for the Latine community or society at large
3. Academic and/or professional record:
• Ph.D. students | Curriculum vita
• Ed.D. students | Résume
3. One letter of support from a) an advisor, lab/center supervisor, or faculty member (Ph.D. students) or b) a community partner, district\school administrator, or faculty member (Ed.D. students). Only ONE letter of recommendation per applicant will be considered. Letter recommenders must also upload their letter of recommendation via the AAHHE Submission portal by Friday, June 14, 2024 11:59 PM (ET). Please advise your recommenders to create/establish their account prior to the deadline to prevent technical issues or delays in submission. If technical issues are experienced, please contact [email protected].

Selection Process

Each application is reviewed and evaluated by a minimum of two graduate and/or faculty fellows program alumni using an evaluation rubric. If there is any inconsistency between the two evaluations, it is reviewed a third time by a member of the GSFP leadership team. The GSFP leadership team completes the selection of the final graduate student program fellows in consultation with the AAHHE Board. Diversity of gender identity, race/ethnicity, institutional type, and field of discipline are all considered when selecting the final cohort.

Program Requirements

As an AAHHE Graduate Student Fellow, you will:

• Sign and submit the AAHHE Memorandum of Understanding* (MOU) NO LATER than August 30, 2024 (11:59pm ET).
• Become an AAHHE active member (graduate student; $50 investment) by August 30, 2024.
• Submit your digital professional headshot photo (JPEG) and a 200 maximum word count biography via a Word document in the third person by August 30, 2024, via the AAHHE submission portal*.
• Participate in ALL required Graduate Student Fellows Programming on the following dates:
• September 27, 2024
• October 18, 2024
• November 15, 2024
• January 11, 2025
• January 24, 2025
• February 14, 2025
• Conference: March 19-21, 2025
• Complete a Holistic Academic Support Plan by the conclusion of the GSFP.
• Complete all program evaluation surveys.
• Submit a one-page reflection article. Submission guidelines will be provided at the start of the program.
• Make a commitment to AAHHE’s mission and vision and support the continuance of the various programs and events by volunteering, organizing, and/or leading future AAHHE programs and events.

*The links to these submission portals are provided in your acceptance letter from AAHHE.

For general inquiries about the AAHHE GSFP please contact Luz Burgos-Lopez (GSFP Chair) at [email protected], or Aurora Kamimura, AAHHE Board Liaison to the GSFP at [email protected].