ASCEND^R Fellowship

Immersing graduate students in defense-aligned research, mentorship, and career development.

Program Features

• Cohort Model: A cohort of graduate students from HSRU institutions, fostering peer learning, and long-term professional connections.
• Professional Development: A curated sequence of webinars, workshops, and guided activities focused on defense-relevant topics and career exploration. 
• Networking and Engagement: Monthly virtual events and an annual in-person convening with DoD professionals, faculty, and industry experts.
• Research Participation: Faculty-mentored research conducted at the fellow’s home institution, applying academic expertise to real-world defense challenges.
• Funding Support: Supplemental funding to support research activities, participation in professional development and program events.

Funding Support

• Fellows will receive a $12,500 award over 12 months to support their academic and     professional development.
• This award is intended to supplement, not replace, existing graduate student support. Fellows may hold other appointments or funding sources with approval from their graduate program.
• In addition, Fellows will have the opportunity to apply for supplemental funds through a competitive pool reserved for the fellowship cohort. These supplements  may support research supplies, travel, conference participation, or other approved activities that advance fellows’ academic and career goals.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Citizenship
   1. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents at the time of application.
2. Academic Status
   • Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a participating Alliance institution and pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field relevant to national defense.
   • A minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for consideration.
3. Faculty Mentor
   • Applicants must identify and secure a faculty mentor at their respective HSRU institution prior to applying.
   • The mentor must be able to support the applicant’s proposed research in a lab setting and provide ongoing guidance throughout the fellowship period.
4. Research Focus
   • Applicants must propose research that:
     • Falls within a STEM discipline aligned with DoD priorities,
     •  Is feasible with the resources available at the applicant’s institution, and
     • It is acceptable to begin or continue research that directly advances the applicants’ dissertation project.

Fellow Expectations

1. Enroll full-time at their respective HSRU campus,
2. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale),
3. Make adequate progress in their research project,
4. Participate in all ASCEND^R program activities, and
5. Present their research in poster format at one, professional meeting/conference (local conferences/symposia are acceptable) and at the annual HSRU convening. Funding for the HSRU convening will be provided by the HSRU for Fellows who are in good standing and available to present during the conference dates. Fellows in good standing are those who have participated in all the program activities.

How to Apply

• Letter of interest
• Proposed research plan to include a one-year project timeline with milestones specified (3-5 pages, 1 additional page for references)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Two letters of support, one must be from their proposed research mentor
• Unofficial transcript indicating full-time status and a minimum 3.5 GPA
• Incomplete applications will not be considered

Information Sessions

Participating Institutions*