Is MAES affiliated with GEM?

Q: Is MAES affiliated with GEM? And if so, are there any current programs to help MAES members be selected to obtain a fellowship from GEM?

A: MAES is not affiliated with GEM, but we do have a memorandum of understanding with the GEM. This formal partnership seeks to increase the representation of Latinos in the GEM program and most importantly, doctoral education programs. Currently, Latinos are underrepresented in this program. GEM offers doctoral fellowships in engineering and in science and masters fellowships in engineering. MAES as an organization couldn't get members selected to obtain a fellowship from GEM.

I applied for a GEM fellowship as an undergraduate. I encourage you to apply to as many fellowships as you can, but know that even if you don't get a single one, you will still succeed. I didn't get a single fellowship, but I was still fully funded by the university and my professor for my entire graduate school education.

The great thing about engineering graduate school is that it is free. In fact, you will receive a living stipend to go to graduate school. As a graduate student, my tuition was fully paid and I received a $20,000 annual living stipend. There is so much money in the sciences and engineering that students are paid to go to science and engineering graduate school. If you enjoy school and want to keep learning, go right ahead. Don't worry about the finances. Identify a program and a professor that wants you. Depending on your undergraduate academic record and graduate advisor’s funding, you will receive a fellowship, research assistantship, or teaching assistantship. Fellowships go to the best students. Research assistantships go to students with professors that have good funding. Underfunded professors will usually support their students through teaching assistantships. Either way, you won’t have to worry about paying for school.