POTUS Fellowship Program

Strengthening Graduate Studies Through Excellence In Education and Research (Doctoral Graduate Fellows)

The POTUS Fellowship Program emphasizes preparation, matriculation, and completion of graduate-level Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs at Tennessee State University (TSU). The program attempts to address the global need to increase African American representation in the STEM disciplines. We use best practices that have been effective in supporting the success of African American graduate students in STEM. The program supports the following disciplines: Biological Sciences, Biology, Engineering, Physical Therapy, Chemistry, Occupational Therapy, and Agricultural Sciences. Strengthening Graduate Studies Through Excellence In Education and Research (Graduate Fellows)

For Master's students, please visit the APEXx webstie 

Benefits

STEM Fellows (Doctoral) serve as research and teaching assistants, produce scholarly works, and engage in professional development opportunities. The Fellowship benefits include:

  • Full Tuition (Fall, Spring, Summer)*
  • A monthly stipend ($3,000.00/month) *
  • Travel to professional conferences*
  • Increased academic enrichment
  • Faculty and peer engagement
  • Professional development
  • Financial assistance for textbooks*
  • Research supplies*
  • Faculty mentoring

*Total estimated value is $50,000.00/year

Monthly stipends are paid directly to Fellows; however, all other funds are applied to their university accounts.

Eligibility

The Graduate Fellowships are for students pursuing their doctoral degree at TSU in STEM subjects. Fellowships are offered in Biological Sciences, Physical Therapy, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, and Couseling Psychology. Additional program requirements include:

  • African American
  • U.S. Citizen/Immigrant
  • Unconditional admission to a TSU doctoral program
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Work 20 hours per week as a teaching and research assistant as determined by your department
  • Complete scholarly works
  • Attend enrichment seminars & professional development workshops
  • Participate in community services related to an academic major

Important Dates

  • Physical Therapy Application Period:
    • March 1st - March 15th
    • There will be no applications for physical therapy students accepted outside of this window
  • All Other POTUS Disciplines Application Period:
    •  June 15th - July 1st
    • There will be no applications accepted outside of this window
  • Fall Orientation Dates: 
    • Always the Friday before Fall Classes begin
  • Contract Lengths:
    • September 1 - Last Day of Spring Semester for Current Academic Status

Application Instructions

Upon receiving unconditional admission to the TSU Graduate School and the department, prospective applicants should follow the instructions below:

Reminders:

  • Application Form is only open during the application periods listed above
  • Physical Therapy Students are only able to apply during the March 1st - March 15th deadline
  • You cannot go back and edit or save your progress to the form once started
  • You must already be accepted into a graduate program before completing the application
  • Please do not email or drop off any documents to the Title III Office, please upload all required documents to the online application

Other Important Information

  • Students are eligible for up to 4 years maximum of support
  • POTUS Fellowship provides support and opportunities to empower students to excel academically
  • Encourages students to take on leadership roles in academics and chosen careers
  • Aims to develop the next generation of leaders through high expectations and accountability
  • Fellows are expected to:
    • Perform beyond the minimum requirements
    • Strive for excellence 
    • Uphold a standard of leadership, integrity, and commitment to growth