Great-Op Research & Academic Advancement Fellowships

Not accepting applications at this time. 

Purpose

The Graduate Education Access & Opportunity (Great-Op) Program provides new and continuing graduate students with an opportunity to apply for a fellowship to support their engagement in research and successful progress toward completing their master’s degree. The fellowship recognizes students who have strong academic records and expressed interest in advancing their research skills and knowledge. All qualified students are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin.

Fellowship Amount and Benefits

• $4,000 for AY 2024-2025 distributed fall and spring semesters ($2000/semester)
• Offers a facilitated peer-group meeting to share research and grad student experiences and offer and receive encouragement and feedback
• Access to a faculty-mentor to guide your research
• Access to workshops provided by Graduate Studies to help you explore whether and how to advance to doctoral degree programs

Student Eligibility

• Must be newly admitted or a current Graduate Student enrolled at California State University, Chico, in good academic standing
• Be a citizen, permanent resident, or be authorized for student employment
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.70 and/or a graduate GPA of 3.0
• Must have “unmet financial aid need” as determined by our Financial Aid Office and based on a formula they are required to use to access need (Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Need). If Financial Aid determines that an adjustment is necessary that reduces your scholarship, we will grant whatever amount at $2000 or below that is deemed allowable.

Due to federal student aid regulations, most international students may not be eligible. These include those in the U.S. on an F-1, F-2, or M-1 nonimmigrant student visa or on a J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor Visa.

Students are also not eligible for this federal student aid if they are noncitizens and have only a “Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence” (I-171 or I-464) or have only employment authorization documents (Form I-766) or hold a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations).

Program and Funding Source: The GREAT-Op fellowship program is administered by Graduate Studies. For questions, please contact Dr. Sharon Barrios, Dean of Graduate Studies, at sbarrios@csuchico.edu. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Education Title V HSI Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) grant secured and administered by the Office of Graduate Studies and Chico State Enterprises (CSE).