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 representation in the STEM disciplines.

We implement best practices that support the success of graduate students in STEM in accordance with legislative allowable activities regulated by the Federal Government under 34 CFR §609.10 (a)(4). The program supports the following disciplines: Biological Sciences, Biology, Engineering, Physical Therapy, Counseling Psychology, and Agricultural Sciences. Strengthening Graduate Studies Through Excellence In Education and Research (Graduate Fellows)

Important Notice - Fall 2026 Application Update for POTUS Fellowship Program

Applications for Physical Therapy and Counseling Psychology students are postponed until Fall 2026. Students in these disciplines will not be able to apply until June 1st - June 15th.

Please note that each discipline has a limited number of fellowship positions available, and selection is not guaranteed
Students interested in funding opportunities are strongly encouraged to also apply for regular Title III Graduate Assistant Positions, which will open June 1st - June 15th for Fall 2026

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)*
- Counseling Psychology POTUS Fellows Credit Hours Information: Title III will only cover up to 12 hours for both fall and spring semesters & up to 6 hours for summer semesters
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:

U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident
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 1st - June 15th
- There will be no applications accepted outside of this window
Fall Orientation Dates:
- Always the Friday before Fall Classes begin
Contract Lengths:
- First Day of Fall Semester for Current Academic Status - 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:

First-time Applicants Link & Documents Needed:

Application link will be uploaded on June 1st

- Documents Needed for Application:
  - Unofficial Transcript
  - Completed FAFSA
  - Personal Statement
  - CV/Resume
  - Letter of Recommendation
    - Current TSU students must submit a letter of recommendation from a TSU staff or faculty member
    - New students may submit a letter of recommendation from a non TSU staff or faculty member

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
A fellowship committee will review applications and perform interviews, candidates will be ranked using a rubric
Please do not email or drop off any documents to the Title III Office, please upload all required documents to the online application

Extension Request and Approval Process

Requests for extensions must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to the end of the current contract period. Students seeking an extension are required to formally present their request to the Fellowship Directors, their research advisor, and the appropriate Department Chair and/or Graduate Chair. The request should clearly outline the rationale for the extension and provide an updated plan for completion of remaining requirements. Extensions may be approved for up to one additional year and may be funded either fully or partially, depending on available resources and demonstrated need. The review committee will evaluate each request and determine which program requirements remain outstanding and must be completed during the extension period.

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:
- Attend Monthly Meetings
- Perform beyond the minimum requirements
- Strive for excellence
- Uphold a standard of leadership, integrity, and commitment to growth