The University of Toledo

Potential Fellow Information

Application Information

Applications are accepted in February of each year for the upcoming school year. Our next round of applications will be due on February 10, 2012 for participation in the 2012-2013 academic year. 
Graduate Fellow Application
Informational Flyer

Fellow Guidelines

The objectives of the GK-12 program are: 1) to support highly qualified graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines through fellowships to provide them with an opportunity to acquire additional skills that will broadly prepare them for professional and scientific careers in the 21st century; 2) to improve STEM instruction in K-12 schools; and 3) to provide institutions of higher education with an opportunity to make a permanent change in their graduate programs by incorporating GK-12 like activities in the training of their STEM graduate students. Expected project outcomes include:

• improved communication, teaching, collaboration, and team building skills for fellows;
• integration of fellows' STEM research in K-12 schools;
• content gain and professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers;
• enriched learning by K-12 students; increased interest in STEM disciplines and careers by K-12 students;
• incorporation of GK-12 like activities as an integral part of the institution's graduate programs in STEM;
• strengthened and sustained partnerships in STEM between higher education institutions and local school districts; and
• reporting of project activities and outcomes to promote best practices in STEM graduate education.

GK-12 fellows from STEM disciplines, selected by awardee institutions, will work directly with K-12 teachers in and out of the classroom to, for example: integrate scientific methods in the teaching and learning of STEM disciplines; provide role models for future STEM professionals; enhance K-12 teachers' STEM content knowledge and understanding of principles of mathematics and the sciences; and jointly design and deliver K-12 STEM instruction. In essence, fellows will bring their scientific research experience to the schools, so that teachers and K-12 students are more broadly exposed to what science is all about, how science is done, how discoveries happen and what scientists do. The GK-12 program is an opportunity to bring the excitement and the results of STEM research to schools and to create changes both in K-12 schools and in institutions of higher education. It is also an opportunity for fellows to acquire skills that normally are not emphasized in a more traditional STEM graduate program and to broaden their career options as professional scientists and engineers.

All fellows will spend a maximum of fifteen hours per week directly involved in GK-12 projects. Ten of these hours are in a physical location where learning for K-12 students takes place and the other five are in meetings, preparation, and planning.

The GK-12 program is intended for fellows who have completed their basic graduate course work and who have experience conducting STEM research.
Fellows are expected to be supported on any GK-12 award for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. Fellows must be citizens, nationals or permanent residents of the United States. Foreign students who hold student visas are not eligible. Fellows may be Mater's or Doctoral students.

Fellows’ research advisors are expected to observe how fellows present their research findings, scientific concepts and methodology to K-12 students. In addition, research advisors are encouraged to attend fellows’ presentations on their GK-12 experience at the end of their tenure. Research advisors are encouraged to engage with the fellows in discussions regarding career development opportunities.

Please contact Program Manager: Rachel Lohner for more information.