The mission of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) aims to support NASA’s objectives and enhance the nation’s capability in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fostering innovation and education. The consortium focuses on promoting careers in aerospace, supporting STEM education, and ensuring the participation of underrepresented groups in these fields.
The VSGC Graduate STEM Research Fellowship program is designed to encourage promising students to pursue careers in STEM fields relevant to NASA’s mission. It offers financial support to selected graduate students engaged in faculty-mentored research that aligns with STEM disciplines, specifically targeting areas that meet NASA's strategic interests. The fellowship prioritizes high academic achievement and potential, aiming to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities, females, and students with disabilities in aerospace-related careers. This competitive program provides awards based on merit and requires matching funds from the recipient’s academic department to support the student's basic research. Additionally, the fellowships seek to enhance the standard graduate support mechanisms and are renewable for students demonstrating satisfactory progress in their academic and research endeavors.