Distinguished First-generation Research Fellowship (DFF)

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Distinguished First-generation Research Fellowship (DFF)

The Distinguished First-generation Research Fellowship (DFF) supports first-generation college students pursuing graduate degrees at WKU. The program provides a two-year graduate research assistantship including a competitive stipend and full tuition coverage. Year Two funding is contingent upon successful progress during Year One.

Key Features

• 20-hour per week mentored research experience working directly with a faculty member in the student's area of study
• Full tuition benefits (up to 9 credit hours per semester of resident face-to-face tuition cost)
• Stipend of no less than $15,000 per academic year
• Eligible for WKU Graduate Assistant Health Insurance

Note: Individuals with full-time employment obligations are not eligible due to the 20-hour weekly research commitment.

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Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Meet WKU’s definition of a  first-generation college student
• Currently enrolled or fully admitted into a WKU master’s, specialist, or doctoral program
• Good academic standing

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Research & Scholarly Experience

The DFF program emphasizes high-quality research and scholarly activity. Fellows are matched with faculty mentors who have similar research interests and have published in their field.

Scholars will:

• Design a research project (or creative activity) during the spring semester of Year One
• Conduct independent research under faculty guidance
• Prepare a final paper suitable for publication in a scholarly journal (or field-appropriate equivalent)
• Present at the WKU Student Scholar Showcase
• Present at local, state, regional, or national conferences

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Financial Support

• Stipend: Minimum $15,000 per academic year (tied to a 20-hour/week graduate research assistantship)
• Tuition: Up to 9 hours of resident tuition per semester (Fall and Spring) for the primary graduate degree
• Health Insurance: Eligible for WKU Graduate Assistant Health Insurance

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Application Information

Deadline for 2027–2028 Award: April 15, 2027

The application requires:

• Academic background and professional goals
• Faculty research mentor(s) you are interested in working with
• Research interests and proposed scholarly activity
• Accomplishments, leadership, and volunteer experience
• Contact information for at least two references
• Current curriculum vitae or résumé

Apply Now for the 2026–2027 DFF

Note: The application form is currently closed. It will reopen closer to the 2027–2028 application window (typically in January 2027)

Questions? Contact: internal.grants@wku.edu