Graduate Studies

Great-Op Research & Academic Advancement Fellowships

Purpose

The Graduate Education Access & Opportunity (Great-Op) Program provides Chico State new and continuing Latinx and low-income graduate students an opportunity to apply for a fellowship to support their engagement in research and successful progress toward the completion of their master’s degree. The fellowship recognizes students traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (including Latinx, low-income, and other underserved students) and who have strong academic records and expressed interest in advancing their research skills and knowledge.

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 current Graduate Student enrolled at California State University, Chico, in good academic standing
  • Be a citizen, permanent resident, or have an AB540 affidavit on file or otherwise eligible for student employment
  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Represent a group traditionally underrepresented in graduate education
  • 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.

Most international students are not eligible for this federal student aid. Those not eligible include those who are 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.

You are also not eligible for this federal student aid if you are a noncitizen 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).

How to Apply

Students, please complete and return the application found here before or by January 20, 2025. Please note that applications will be reviewed and selections made on a rolling basis.

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).