The NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP), under solicitation number NSF 24-588, is a funding initiative by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) aimed at strengthening the STEM research capacity in EPSCoR jurisdictions. The program specifically targets institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions, which are regions that historically receive a smaller portion of federal research funding, to support graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM disciplines.

The primary objective of EGFP is to provide financial support to graduate students who have previously received an "Honorable Mention" in the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). By doing so, the program aims to recruit and retain talented STEM students within these underrepresented regions, fostering both innovation and economic growth in EPSCoR jurisdictions and across the country.

Awarded institutions can select fellows from the pool of GRFP Honorable Mentions, with each institution required to support at least three fellows over a three-year period. The fellowship provides each student with a stipend of $37,000 per year and an additional $16,000 per year for associated educational costs. Institutions must request support for at least three fellows, and all proposals should ensure the funds are used within five years.

Eligibility is restricted to institutions located in EPSCoR jurisdictions, and they must offer graduate degrees in STEM fields aligned with NSF's directorates. Each institution is allowed to submit only one proposal per competition year, and the proposal should outline the institution’s capacity to provide a high-quality graduate experience.

The submission deadlines for proposals are October 2, 2024, June 2, 2025, and June 1, 2026. Institutions are required to submit their proposals either through Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the applicable guidelines. Each proposal must include evidence of the institution's existing graduate programs, faculty readiness, and available resources to support the fellows.

The NSF review process will consider the intellectual merit of the proposal as well as its broader impacts, particularly how it will enhance STEM research capacity and support innovation in EPSCoR jurisdictions. The program is designed to support institutions in recruiting and mentoring top STEM talent, contributing to the advancement of both scientific research and regional economic development.