The Mike Loya Graduate Research Fellows Program

The Mike Loya Graduate Research Fellows Program provides funded fellowships to full-time master's-level students in the College of Engineering and the Woody L. Hunt College of Business to further research and apply knowledge in the areas of leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and management in the cross-disciplinary environment of engineering and business.

Graduate student selection is based on merit, academic excellence, leadership, and interest and commitment in learning more about entrepreneurship, innovation, and commerce.

Graduate students are selected based on merit, academic excellence, leadership, and interest in learning more about the world of entrepreneurship and commerce.

Selected students will become Loya Fellows and will receive up to a $18,000 stipend per year (or up to $9,000 per long semester). Each fellowship provides financial support for up to two years (up to 4 long semesters, fall and spring) – contingent upon the recipient maintaining good academic standing with the Graduate School. Stipend disbursement will occur at the beginning of each semester for Fall and Spring, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid and is sent directly to students’ UTEP financial accounts.

In addition, fellowship recipients are expected to contribute significantly to the program by successfully completing and delivering high-quality, internal and external research projects which will require approximately 5 hours per week. Fellows are also asked to support and actively participate in various activities and workshops organized by the Mike Loya Center, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances their skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and management.

This dual commitment ensures that the recipients excel academically and actively contribute to and benefit from the dynamic and enriching opportunities the fellowship program provides.

Students interested in applying for the Mike Loya Fellowship must:
• Be enrolled full-time in a graduate program at UTEP.
• Only in the final semester of the program will the student be permitted to fall below full-time status.
• At the time the student will begin the fellowship, they must have a minimum of 3 long semesters remaining in their graduate program. The fellowship does not include summers.
• Students will be required to submit a copy of their class schedules each semester to verify full-time status.
• At the end of each semester, students will be asked to submit a copy of their transcript verifying their GPA reflects good academic standing with the Graduate School.
• Students understand they may be awarded up to $9,000 per semester but are not guaranteed this amount. Financial aid (to include grants, scholarships, stipends, etc.) cost of attendance, and registration status are some factors that will determine the final amount they are ultimately eligible to receive.
• Fellows are required to engage approximately 10 hours per week in person at the Mike Loya Center.

Application Cycles

Loya Fellowship Evaluation

Evaluations occur in May and December.

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Letter of interest - Highlight your future professional interests and any experience you may have in working with small businesses and startups. If applicable, provide details about your familiarity with these environments. If you don't have the experience, tell us why you want to learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Acceptance letter from the Graduate School
• Full-time graduate student enrollment is required during Fall and Spring semesters - Submit a copy of your student's class schedule.

Submit your application to loyacenter@utep.edu.