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Funding & Fellowships

GEAR Program

The Allen School Graduate Engagement in Academic Outreach & Recruiting (GEAR) program was created to acknowledge and recognize the contributions of Allen School graduate students who serve in support of our doctoral program recruiting initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. To be eligible for consideration, interested students must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be an Allen School doctoral student in good standing with the UW Graduate School and the Allen School;
  • Apply for consideration according to the instructions for each opportunity below; and
  • Commit to completing a brief survey and/or summary of the activity from their point-of-view.

GEAR Ambassadors

GEAR Ambassadors travel with the Recruitment & Retention Specialist to staff a booth and represent the Allen School Ph.D. program at up to 7 national conferences annually.

Service Recognition:

  • Funding for expenses associated with attending the conference, including transportation/flight, hotel, conference registration, and meal reimbursement.
  • Choice of swag (typically a t-shirt or sweatshirt) to wear while representing the Allen School.

Application Process: Apply for GEAR Ambassador opportunities using the application forms below. If the application is unavailable it means capacity has been met.

24-25 GEAR Ambassador Application

GEAR Panelists

GEAR Panelists serve on a virtual information session panel held by the Recruitment & Retention Specialist at various times thoroughout the year. Time commitment is 1 hour.

Service Recognition: 

  • $100* per panel. Disbursed after the completion of the panel.
  • Choice of swag

Application Process: Apply for GEAR Panelist opportunites via the application below. GEAR Panelist positions are available on a rolling basis until all available slots are filled. If the application is unavailable it means capacity has been met.

24-25 GEAR Panelist Application

GEAR Mentors

GEAR Mentors contribute to the overall success of the Pre-Application Mentorship Service (PAMS) program as a mentor.

Service Recognition:

  • $150*. Depending on the employment status of the individual graduate student, this will either be dispersed incrementally or as a one-time payment at the end of PAMS season.
  • Choice of swag

Application Process: GEAR Mentors opportunities are announced to the cs-grads mailing list in September.  

GEAR Leaders

GEAR Leaders serve as Co-Chairs of the 2024 Pre-Application Mentorship Service (PAMS) program.

Service Recognition: 

  • $500*. Depending on the employment status of the individual graduate student, this will either be dispersed incrementally or as a one-time payment at the end of PAMS season.
  • Choice of swag
  • Recognition Plaque

Application Process: GEAR Leaders positions for 25-24 are filled.

*Note payments may be taxable to the individual student.

Questions about GEAR?

Contact the Allen School Ph.D. Program Recruitment & Retention Specialist Les Sessoms to learn more about GEAR opportunities.