Jerome A. and Mary Straka Fellowship

The Straka Fellowship is a 12‑month award offered through the Graduate School to support outstanding graduate students in engineering; the physical, biological, or mathematical sciences; or economics. In keeping with the donor’s vision, the fellowship is intended for students whose academic work engages with ideas connected to free‑enterprise systems and who can demonstrate both exceptional promise and a connection to middle‑income, middle‑class backgrounds.

*Application Period: *February 16 – March 16, 2026

FELLOWSHIP PACKAGE

  • Annual stipend of $37,417
  • Tuition remission and coverage of segregated fees (Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027)
  • Access to health benefits
  • Fellowship period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

QUESTIONS: Please contact the Graduate School Office of Access, Engagement and Funding at funding@grad.wisc.edu.

Award
$0.00
Organizations
The Graduate School
Deadline
03/16/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Primary academic program and degree
  2. Semester and year of entry to graduate program (e.g., Fall 2026)
  3. Abstract of your dissertation research. Description should be accessible to reviewers from a broad range of STEM disciplines and speak to the broader impact of your research.
  4. Describe how your academic achievements reflect exceptional talent and potential. You may include: (1) Major competitive awards or fellowships (2) Significant publications (include status: submitted, accepted, or published) (3) Notable scholarly accomplishments, innovations, or contributions (4) Leadership, service, or other activities that demonstrate academic impact
  5. Background and Perspective: Reflect on aspects of your upbringing or recent experiences that connect you with middle‑income, middle‑class communities, and describe how this background has shaped your academic journey, motivations, or worldview.
  6. Upload your current CV or résumé. PDF format only.
  7. Letter of Recommendation 1: Please submit the name and email address of your faculty advisor.
  8. Letter of Recommendation 2: Please submit the name and email address of another faculty, mentor, or staff.
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