NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Dr. Harriett G. Jenkins has been an innovative and effective change agent throughout her life. For over 18 years, she was Assistant Administrator for Equal Opportunity Programs at NASA (1974-1992). In that role she managed exemplary programs and strategies which garnered management commitment and involvement. These programs ranged from the hiring and advancement of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities within the agency, to adjudication of allegations of discrimination. She also forged the establishment of research centers at Minority Institutions. Prior to coming to NASA, Dr. Jenkins produced great change for the Berkeley Unified School District in California.

Image to right: Dr. Harriett G. Jenkins has been honored by the establishment of a fellowship program in her name. Apply by February 1, 2005. Credit: NASA

Dr. Jenkins' leadership and commitment have certainly not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous national awards and honors and serves on several professional national boards including NASA's Educational Advisory Council.

Thus, the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program is a logical extension of Dr. Jenkins' life's mission, as well as a shining example of NASA's commitment to educational excellence.

The Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship provides full-time graduate students (master's and doctoral level) who are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines up to three years of funding and support.

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories. Permanent residents and non-US citizens are ineligible.



• Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented group in STEM, which includes women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities.



• Applicants must be applying to graduate school or be within the first three years of a graduate program at an accredited, U.S. university. Graduating seniors, first or second year master's students and first through third year doctoral students are encouraged to apply. Non-degreed students enrolled in masters or doctoral level courses are ineligible.



• Applicants must have and maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (i.e., a "B" average or above). If the applicant attends an institution where scales other than 4.00 are used, the applicant's GPA must correspond to a B average.

Once the fellowship is awarded, recipients cannot participate in any other federally funded fellowship or scholarship program.

Fellows may attend ANY accredited U.S. institution of higher learning that offers advanced degrees in the STEM fields. Fellows are required to be enrolled full-time. Although the fellowship is not renewable during the three-year period, the availability of support for subsequent years is contingent upon certification to NASA by the fellow's institution that the fellow is making satisfactory academic progress toward an advanced degree.

Dr. Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program
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NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program
United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation