Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program

The Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) awards fellowships to students pursuing degrees in transportation-related disciplines. This program advances the transportation workforce by attracting the brightest minds to the field through education, research, and workforce development. The DDETFP encompasses all modes of transportation.

DDETFP was established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991, reauthorized in 1998 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), and reauthorized in 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)

Fellowships

U&GP is directly responsible for the administration of

Eisenhower Graduate (GRAD) Fellowships enable students to pursue master's degrees or doctorates in transportation-related fields at the university of their choice.

Eisenhower Grants for Research Fellowships (GRF) acquaints undergraduate and graduate students with transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities at U.S. Department of Transportation facilities.

Eisenhower Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fellowships provide HBCU students with additional opportunities to pursue transportation-related education preparing them to enter careers in transportation. HBCU Fellowships also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

Eisenhower Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Fellowships provide HSI students with additional opportunities to pursue transportation-related education preparing them to enter careers in transportation. HSI Fellowships also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

Eisenhower Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Fellowships provide TCU students with additional opportunities to pursue transportation-related education preparing them to enter careers in transportation. TCU Fellowships also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

Eisenhower People with Disabilities (PWD) Fellowships provide additional opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue education that prepares them to enter careers in transportation. The PWD Fellowships also serves as a feeder program for other Eisenhower fellowships.

Eisenhower Intern Fellowship (EIF) provides students with opportunities to perform a wide range of significant transportation-related activities at public and private-sector transportation organizations.

Eisenhower Community College Fellowship (CC) provides students at community colleges with opportunities to enter careers in transportation. This fellowship serves as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

Disciplines

Transportation-related Academic Disciplines*

*Other transportation-related disciplines may be approved by the U&GP program manager on a case-by-case basis.

Applications for the DDETFP

Applications cannot be completed online. Please download a copy and submit to the appropriate organization. If the application does not appear below, it is not yet available for download. Please check back at a later date.

Application Cycles and Contacts

Eisenhower Graduate (GRAD) Fellowships -

• The 2012 cycle is closed.

Grant for Research Fellowship Project -

• Opportunities are filled and there are no current projects to be advertised. Please check back for future opportunities.

Eisenhower Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fellowships -

• Applications are available at selected HBCUs.

Eisenhower Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Fellowships -

• Applications are available at selected HSIs.

Eisenhower Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCU) Fellowships -

• Applications are available at selected TCUs.

Eisenhower People with Disabilities Fellowships (PWD) -

• Applications are available at selected institutions specifically for people with disabilities.

Eisenhower Community College Fellowship (CC) -

• Applications are available at selected community colleges.

DDETFP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Q: How many fellowships are awarded each year?
A: Approximately 150 to 200 Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships are awarded each year based on funding availability. To date, approximately 2,000 Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships have been awarded.

2) Q: How is the Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship funded?
A: U&GP administers the intermodal Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation. A grant agreement is developed by U&GP (on behalf of USDOT) to fund the recipient's education at the university in a transportation-related discipline. All Federal funds are awarded competitively and none are awarded directly to the recipient.

3) Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
A: No. Non-U.S. citizens must provide a valid certified copy of their I-20 or I-551 ID as issued by U.S. Citizenship and Services (USCIS). See OMB Publication #1115-0093.

4) Q: Since the application is online and it would be more convenient, can it be completed online?
A: No. The application is part of a process that requires original signatures from the applicant, faculty advisors, and others, and supporting documentation such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. Due to the volume of applications and supporting documentation received annually, online applications are not available at this time.

5) Q: Should I submit an original and one copy of the application?
A: Yes, see #6. Per the instructions, a complete set of applications is sent to each member of the selection panel. Failure to submit the required copies will result in your application not being reviewed by the selection panel.

6) Q: Is it required that reference letters be sent in a signed, sealed envelope?
A: If the recommender prefers to mail the reference letters, One copy plus the original should be placed in a signed and sealed envelope since U&GP is not responsible for making copies.

7) Q: How many letters of recommendation do I need?
A: All applicants are required to provide four (4) letters of recommendation. Additional letters of recommendation will not increase an applicant’s chances of selection. Failure to submit four letters of recommendation will result in your application not being forwarded to the selection panel.

8) Q: What is the level of funding for an Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship?
A: All recipients may not receive a full award (i.e. tuition, stipend, and travel to the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting). Recipient awards will be based on the ranking given by the National Selection Panel or local selection panels at individual universities. Recipients will receive a minimum of $1,500 for travel to TRB, based on the ranking received.

9) Q: Does my application have to be postmarked by the due date or received by the due date?
A: Your application must be received in the Universities and Grants Programs (U&GP) office by the due date. Knowing that inclement weather plays a factor in the U&GP office receiving your application, please make sure that you send the application on time to make the deadline. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS FOR LATE APPLICATIONS!!

10) Q: What happens after I submit my application?
A: All eligible applications are submitted for review to the national selection panel. Decisions are made within 60 days of the closing date. All applicants will be notified through e-mail, via their faculty advisor, of the selection panel’s decision.

11) Q: I applied to multiple schools and don’t know where I will attend in the Fall?
A: If you are unsure as to your attendance in the fall, enter your current institution and provide the updated contact information as soon as you are certain.

12) Q: What if my letter of reference is coming from a foreign country or my professor is on sabbatical?
A: If you have a letter of recommendation from a foreign country or your professor is on sabbatical overseas, please make sure you request the letter in enough time to meet the deadline. It is your responsibility to get all application material submitted by the deadline. We do not accept any application material beyond the deadline.

If you do not see answers to your question(s) here, please contact a member of the U&GP staff.

News and Updates

• The Universities and Grants Programs concluded a successful 2012 TRB. The program for this year TRB consisted of several events (Innovative Doctoral Showcase, two Poster Sessions, Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase and Networking Reception). All events were well attended; FHWA Administrator, Mr. Victor Mendez and Acting OTS Director, Bernetta Collins was among the attendees and spoke at two of the Eisenhower sessions. We wish to extend our appreciation to all recipients, faculty members, moderators and DOT staff for their presentations and participation. 2012 pictures will be posted soon.

• The 2012 Graduate Fellowship cycle is closed.

• Grants for Research Fellowship project opportunities are filled.

Staff

The U&GP staff is here to help. Please read our FAQs or contact us if you have questions or need assistance.

Staff Contact Information
(703) 235-0538
transportationedu@dot.gov

Henry C. Murdaugh
Program Manager
(703) 235-0538

Camron Ranje
Team Leader and Systems Analyst
(703) 235-0537

Gerald Hill
Program Analyst
(703) 235-0591