The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is the National Science Foundation's first program, launched shortly after Congress established the agency in 1950, with the directive to recruit high-potential individuals early in their careers to pursue graduate research training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Since its inception, more than 40 former Fellows have been awarded the Nobel Prize, and more than 400 have been elected as members to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
As GRFP nears its 75th anniversary in 2025, NSF turned to the program's roots - its original mandate to recruit talented individuals who demonstrated potential to make outstanding contributions to STEM. The program's staff significantly increased outreach efforts to ensure no communities were overlooked in seeking promising talent. The program especially prioritized virtual information sessions, offering presentations to institutions large and small, and to meetings held across the country. This emphasis on virtual outreach came in handy when the pandemic erupted as students could join from anywhere, get information about the program, and ask questions. NSF successfully tapped a broad swath of students, and its efforts are reflected in the competition outcomes.
The individuals offered Fellowships during 2020-2024 reflect the diversity of the country's student population, as seen in the table below:
Offered Award
Fellowship Year
Applications
Offered Award
Female
Underrepresented Minorities
Persons with Disabilities
Veterans
Undergraduates/ Bachelor’s degrees