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SPEED Graduate Tuition Waiver

Graduate students can benefit from the SPEED Graduate Tuition Waiver. This opportunity offers a $1,680 tuition waiver awarded to 26 students annually (10 Fall, 10 Spring, 6 Summer), prioritizing students with financial need and a demonstrated commitment to professional diversity.

Eligibility:

• 9+ graduate credits earned
• Demonstrated financial need
• Preference for Hispanic students
• One waiver per one student in one calendar year

Deadlines:

• Spring 2026: October 3, 2025
• Summer 2026: January 30, 2026
• Fall 2026: March 27, 2026
• CTA: Graduate Advisors and Faculty Must Nominate a Student -

SPEED Grad Research and Career Accelerator Program

Are you a faculty member at NEIU interested in mentoring graduate students in their research
journey? Become a part of the SPEED GRAD Research & Career Accelerator Program, and help
shape the next generation of scholars!

Eligibility Requirements for Faculty Mentors:
● Must be a faculty member at NEIU
● Must have an ongoing or upcoming research project that graduate students can join (it
can be a part of a student's master thesis)
● Willing to commit to mentoring a student throughout the research duration

Benefits for Faculty Mentors:
● Opportunity to engage with motivated graduate students who contribute to your research
● Support the professional growth and academic success of students
● Collaborate with NEIU’s Career Development Office and external experts to foster student
career readiness
● Stipend in the amount of $1500

Students Eligibility and Benefits:  
● Participants must be enrolled as graduate students at ����Թ�
(NEIU) during the time of their involvement in the program.
● Each student must collaborate with a faculty mentor on a research project in any
academic discipline.
● A commitment to professional development is expected, including participation in at least
two career development workshops during the semester.
● Graduate student participants will receive a stipend in recognition of their dedication and
contributions (amount may vary slightly per semester; Fall 2025 is $4800). The stipend will be distributed in three installments throughout the semester. Please note that international students are subject to tax withholding (approx. 30%)
● Students are also eligible for annual conference reimbursement for presenting at or
attending academic conference. 

Application Process for Faculty Mentors:

● Provide a brief description of your research project and the expected student involvement (250-400 words)

● Provide a name and contact information of the student you would like to mentor. 

● Applications for Spring 2026 will open in November 2025.

SPEED Career Readiness Opportunities

Looking for real-world experience? Our programs offer access to hands-on internships (both on and off campus), research placements, and professional development workshops that help you prepare for life after graduation and allow you to develop hands-on skills in fields that align with your interests and career goals.

Included Opportunities:

• Internal and external internships (posted via Handshake). Everything you need to know about grant sponsored internships.
• Career Development workshops - Mark your calendars: Career Week Conference will take place October 28–30, 2025. More details coming soon!
• Free professional headshots once a semester during Career Fair!