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The Graduate Excellence & Engagement Program

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Graduate Equity Fellowship

Financial Support for Master’s Degree Completion

The Graduate Equity Fellowship provides financial support to eligible Sacramento State master’s students who have experienced barriers to accessing graduate education or whose academic and professional goals contribute to educational opportunity and student success.

Selected students receive a financial award each semester. Fellows may receive support for up to four semesters if they continue to meet the program's eligibility and participation requirements.

Applications for 2027-2028 Cohort Open in March 2027.

Fellowship Benefits

Graduate Equity Fellows receive:

  • Financial support toward completing a Sacramento State master’s degree
  • The opportunity to receive an award each semester
  • Potential continued support for up to four semesters
  • Recognition as a Graduate Equity Fellow

Award amounts may vary. Continued funding is not automatic and depends on the Fellow continuing to meet program requirements.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be a California resident or have an AB 540 affidavit on file
  • Be admitted to and enrolled in a Sacramento State master’s degree program
  • Be enrolled full time in at least eight units
  • Have applied for financial aid
  • Demonstrate at least $1,000 in financial need, as determined by the Sacramento State Financial Aid Office

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Have experienced social, economic, educational, physical, or other barriers affecting access to or preparation for graduate education
  • Have academic or research interests focused on cultural, societal, or educational issues affecting communities that have experienced educational disadvantage
  • Intend to use their graduate degree to expand educational opportunity or foster diversity within education or another professional field

Examples of educational barriers may include being the first in one’s family to attend college, attending schools with limited financial or curricular resources, or experiencing a physical or learning disability.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

How to Apply

Applications for 2027-2028 Cohort Open in March 2027.

Applicants must complete the Graduate Equity Fellowship application and submit all required materials by the published deadline (April 2027).

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

The application includes four written-response questions. Each response must be less than one page.

Question 1: Statement of Purpose

Explain why you are applying for the Graduate Equity Fellowship. Discuss your academic and professional goals, why those goals are important to you, and your potential to succeed in a graduate program.

Question 2: Barriers to Educational Opportunity

Describe any social, economic, educational, or other barriers you have experienced or overcome. Explain how these experiences have affected your academic opportunities or educational journey.

Question 3: Academic Interests and Educational Opportunity

Explain how your academic interests relate to issues affecting the education of diverse groups or communities.

Describe how your scholarly or creative work may help serve these communities or expand their educational opportunities.

Question 4: Commitment to Serving Diverse Communities

Describe how your academic, professional, volunteer, community, or other life experiences demonstrate your commitment to serving diverse communities.

Use specific examples whenever possible.

Step 2: Upload the Required Documents

Applicants must upload:

  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • A Student Aid Report demonstrating that the applicant has applied for financial aid

Review each document before uploading it to confirm that it is complete and legible.

Step 3: Request Two Faculty Recommendations

Two faculty recommendations are required.

After submitting the online application, applicants will receive access to the faculty recommendation form. Applicants are responsible for:

  1. Copying the recommendation-form link provided after application submission
  2. Sending the link to two faculty recommenders
  3. Giving recommenders sufficient time to complete the form
  4. Confirming that both recommendations are submitted by the required deadline

Applicants are encouraged to contact potential recommenders before submitting the application.

Questions?

Contact the Graduate Excellence and Engagement Program for assistance with eligibility, application requirements, or the recommendation process.

Graduate Excellence and Engagement Program
River Front Center, Room 215
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Phone: (916) 278-4397
Email: geep@csus.edu