Gardner Fellowship for Master Students

We invite applications from UC Berkeley Goldman School MPP, MPA, and MDP students whose innovative projects advance the Center’s mission of illuminating higher education through impactful research and policy insights.

Award

Award amounts will be determined based on individual project needs, with a strong commitment to ensuring that Fellows are fully funded to execute their Capstone projects effectively.

Eligibility

GSPP MPP, MPA, and MDP students planning to complete their Capstone Project on higher education are encouraged to apply. Eligibility is limited to those who have already identified their clients and capstone topics. Due to limited funding, students whose capstones are already fully funded (at a level of $9,000 or above) are not eligible. 

Application

Applicants are required to fill out an application form, which requires the following information:

  • Project Title

  • Client Name 

  • A 1-2 page description of the project and the intended output

  • How the CSHE fund will be used

  • Details on any existing funding the applicant has already secured for the project

Selected students will be asked to demonstrate the client’s endorsement of the project plan, via a short reference letter. These letters are not needed at this time, but will be solicited after selection.

Fellowship Deliverables

  • Funded students will be expected to present their capstone projects at the CSHE Grad Student Symposium in spring 2026.
  • Fellows will be invited to turn their capstone reports into policy briefs to be considered for the CSHE Research and Occasional Paper Series (ROPS). 

Application Deadline 

TBD