STEER Graduate Fellow Program
Information session was held on Zoom, Feb. 9 | Watch the video
The STEER Graduate Fellows Program offers Stanford graduate students a unique ecosystem throughout their PhD journey. The program has three key characteristics:
- Collaborative PhD Cohort: Become part of a curious, interdisciplinary, and mission-driven cohort of students who are core members of the STEER team, working closely with STEER staff, faculty, and industry contacts.
- Real-word Impact: Participate in site visits and help host STEER's flagship events, where thought leaders and executives are convened to collectively shape strategic insights and innovations based on STEER research and tools.
- Stipend and Tuition: A funding package covering a stipend and full tuition for 3 years, with the possibility of a 2-year renewal. Support starts immediately if no other funding is in place, or directly after existing funding ends. First-year PhD students are also eligible.
Are you a good fit?
The program is designed for exceptional PhD students who want to make a real-world impact by bridging engineering, economics, and innovation to accelerate energy solutions. Current students come from diverse backgrounds but share a drive for impact, a curiosity for meaningful questions, and a pragmatism focused on speed and scale. PhD paths are typically oriented around one analytical layer, one technology group, or one solution development (see Guidelines for more info).
PhD students (including first-year students), with or without existing funding, are encouraged to apply, guided by one Stanford faculty advisor. Applications are accepted during Winter and Spring cycles.
| Cycle | Opens | Application Due | Fellowship Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply Winter (start Spring) | Jan 23, 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 |
| Apply Spring (start Summer) | Apr 6, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 |
Required Application Materials
- Statement of Purpose (2 pages)
- CV
- Unofficial Transcript
- Letter of Support from one Stanford faculty member
- Optional: Additional Reference Letter
Please refer to the STEER Graduate Fellows Program Guidelines for detailed information. Submit your application in one .zip file by 11:59 pm on February 27, 2026 via email to Prof. Will Chueh wchueh@stanford.edu. The referee may submit the letter of support directly to Will via email. In this case, the referee should clearly indicate the applicant’s name in the email, and the applicant should note in their application that the letter will be submitted separately by the referee. Please also contact Will for questions regarding the application.