GEM GRAD Lab
The GEM GRAD Lab is a partnership initiative between the SHPE Foundation and The National GEM Consortium to engage Latino/a undergraduate students in a graduate preparation program that will help them develop a competitive academic profile for graduate admissions and the GEM Fellowship. The program consists of three-phases.
PHASE I
Phase I is the kick-off event - the GEM GRAD Lab at the SHPE Conference. This two-day event provides qualified Latino/a applicants, who have an interest and inclination in pursing an advanced technical degree, with an intense graduate preparation training.
On Day 1, The National GEM Consortium. hosts students for its GRAD Lab. The GRAD Lab is a series of sessions programmed by The National GEM Consortium that focus on all the elements of the graduate school application. These sessions address graduate funding, access and choice, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and the value of mentoring from a Latino/a perspective. In addition, students will be invited to attend a Graduate School Hospitality Suite and Scholars Luncheon to meet current graduate students and speak with graduate program recruiters and faculty.
On Day 2, participants will also have the opportunity to attend the Graduate Fair and visit with over 40 graduate programs and funding sources.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
All undergraduate students attending the SHPE Conference are encouraged to attend all or any part of the GEM GRAD Lab. No formal registration is required. However, students are strongly encouraged to pre-register to attend the entire event to make them eligible to receive additional materials and access to other VIP venues at the SHPE conference. Pre-registration entails completing the SHPE Foundation Travel Grant application.
SHPE Foundation TRAVEL GRANTS
SHPE Foundation Travel Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified Hispanic undergraduate students, who demonstrate strong academics, research, and service. The grant will include a travel stipend up to $300 to attend the GEM GRAD Lab at the SHPE Conference. Students who receive the SHPE Foundation Travel Grant will be housed four to a room at one of the conference hotels.
GEM GRAD Lab Tentative Agenda
Students required to visit with at least 10 graduate schools.
PHASE 2
Over the course of the academic year, participants will be advised and mentored by faculty and staff from The National GEM Consortium to assure that students are making good academic progress and maintaining competitive academic standards for application to graduate school. Participants will be required to establish an online profile with the National GEM Consortium at www.gemfellowship.org. Guidance and resources will be provided to the students throughout the year in reference to the personal statement, researching graduate programs, finding research opportunities and completing the GEM Fellowship application.
PHASE 3
Students, who receive an SHPE Foundation Travel Grant and attend the GRAD Lab at the SHPE Confernece will be invited to attend the national GEM Conference, especially if they are in the process of completing their GEM Fellowship application. Travel to the GEM Conference will be provided on a limited and competitive basis, based on funding availability.
