42 U.S.C. § 16536: Protecting America’s Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate fellowship program

In this section, the term “eligible student” means a student who attends an institution of higher education that offers a doctoral degree in a field relevant to a mission area of the Department. The Secretary shall establish a graduate fellowship program for eligible students pursuing a doctoral degree in a mission area of the Department. The Secretary shall award fellowships to eligible students under this section through a competitive merit review process, involving written and oral interviews, that will result in a wide distribution of awards throughout the United States, as determined by the Secretary. to pursue a field of science or engineering of importance to a mission area of the Department; the capacity of the eligible student to understand technical topics relating to the fellowship that can be derived from the first principles of the technical topics; imagination and creativity; leadership skills in organizations or intellectual endeavors, demonstrated through awards and past experience; and excellent verbal and communication skills to explain, defend, and demonstrate an understanding of technical subjects relating to the fellowship; and to be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States. provide an annual living stipend; and graduate tuition at an institution of higher education described in subsection (a); and incidental expenses associated with curricula and research at the institution of higher education (including books, computers, and software). A fellowship awarded under this section shall be up to 3 years duration within a 5-year period. A fellowship awarded under this section shall be portable with the eligible student. shall administer the program established under this section; and may enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity to administer the program, including the selection and award of fellowships. $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2008; $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, including nonexpiring fellowships for the preceding fiscal year; $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, including nonexpiring fellowships for preceding fiscal years; $20,600,000 for fiscal year 2011; $21,200,000 for fiscal year 2012; and $21,900,000 for fiscal year 2013.