Cushwa/Commercial Shearing Graduate Fellowships

Cushwa/Commercial Shearing Graduate Fellowships are available for selected outstanding graduate students in YSU’s master’s degree programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Upon successful completion of the program, Cushwa Fellows will be awarded a master’s degree in their field of study. The Charles B. Cushwa, Jr./Commercial Shear­ing Inc. Graduate Student Scholarship/Fellowship Fund was established in 2003 to provide stu­dents the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees, get career experience, and offset some of the financial challenges of continuing their education. In addition, the community will benefit from these scholars interacting with local businesses and bringing the resources of the University into the local economy.

Fellows are expected to devote 20 hours per week for 16 weeks per semester (12 weeks in sum­mer) to fellowship duties. They are assigned to a research or other appropriate work experience that is related to the academic program in which they are enrolled. Fellows are normally expected to complete at least one semester as a graduate intern at a company or industry site related to their degree program. Cushwa/Commercial Shearing Fellows must maintain enrollment in at least 18 semester hours of degree-credit coursework for the regular academic year (fall and spring), not fewer than nine semester hours of degree-credit coursework during each fall and spring semester, and not fewer than six semester hours in the summer. To remain eligible, fellows must discharge their duties satisfactorily and maintain good academic standing in their coursework. Appoint­ments are made annually based on satisfactory performance.

The stipend is $15,000 for the academic year and summer (three semesters). Fellows will be awarded funding for instructional fees and out of state surcharge.  Other academic fees may be remitted. 

Normally, the Cushwa/Commercial Shearing Fellow receives an appointment for two years, including summers. An application for a Cushwa Fellowship should be submitted with the initial application for ad­mission to the College of Graduate Studies or as soon as the student is advised to do so by the graduate faculty advisor. As part of the application process, applicants must submit an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report (regardless of whether or not the GRE is required for the student’s graduate program). Applicants must have been awarded an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Contact the College of Graduate Studies for the current year’s deadline.