GEM is a unique and powerful connection to a national network of universities and employers (corporations and national laboratories). GEM primarily connects highly qualified students from underrepresented groups to STEM graduate programs with much-needed financial support that is often the deciding factor in pursuing graduate education.
The GEM consortium consists of over 75 major corporations all dedicated to scientific impact and knowledgeable of the role that diversity can play in driving that impact.
Throughout the year GEM hosts physical as well as virtual events designed to raise awareness and train individuals on the various ways that they can make a scientific impact through GEM. Some of these allow employers to get a pulse on the challenges facing URMs in STEM.
Our employer members represent some of the top major corporations in the country and span across multiple industries.
GEM Employer Members provide a top-level commitment to the GEM Consortium and recognize the Fellowship Programs as an important vehicle for the GEM Fellow’s personal development and academic achievement.
Each Employer Member appoints a well-qualified Board Representative who understands and is interested in the objectives of the GEM Consortium. The representative is skilled in human relations and has solid knowledge of their organization, its practices, procedures, and personnel. The Board Representative has energy and interest in promoting GEM programs and participating in the GEM Fellow selection process.
Program costs to participate include:
Supporting an M.S. candidate
MS candidates accepting the GEM fellowship agree to work as summer interns for an employer member while completing their MS studies. This results in two internship assignments with the employer: one prior to entering the master’s program and the other after completing one year of the program. Students are paid at the normal summer intern rates for the company. This is an excellent opportunity for GEM Employers to preview performance and cultural fit for potential full-time offer toward the completion of the second internship. Over 85% of GEM Master’s Fellows accept full time offers from their sponsoring Employers.
Supporting a Ph.D. candidate
Doctorate candidates are pursuing Ph.D. degrees in engineering or science disciplines. A paid summer internship is required the summer immediately after selection, which is often the summer before the student starts their doctorate program. Employers who sponsor doctorate students should make every effort to tie the internship assignment to the students intended area of research, such that a custom arrangement can be arranged with the students faculty advisor for potential engagement beyond the one required internship.
To become a GEM Consortium member, employers agree to make a minimum annual contribution of $27,500 (although we recommend Employers sponsor a minimum of two students each year for an annual contribution of $50,000) plus provide an internship experience for beginning students each year and a second internship experience for all returning MS fellows who have not completed their degrees. Agreement forms will be provided to new consortium members during the application process.
If you are committed to diversity as a business imperative for your company; if you are recruiting highly talented engineers and scientists; if you wish to build a pipeline of talent for your highly technical research and development areas, and if you would like to participate in the development of American Indian, African American, and Hispanic American engineers and scientists, we would like to visit you and your management team to share more information about the advantages of being a member of GEM. Please send an email of interest to [email protected] to request an application to join or to schedule a phone conference with GEM’s CEO and/or a physical presentation at your site by one of GEM’s senior staff members.