The Hertz Graduate Fellowship Award is based on merit (not need) and consists of a cost-of-education allowance and a personal-support stipend. The cost-of-education allowance is accepted by all of the participating schools in lieu of all fees and tuition. Hertz Fellows therefore have no liability for any ordinary educational costs, regardless of their choice among participating schools. In addition to providing the necessary funding along with the research freedom to pursue their PhD, we also provide mentorship and counsel through the lifelong community of peers to which they now belong—the Hertz Community. This Community is comprised of current in-school Fellows who are pursuing their graduate degree, as well as the entire group of alumni Fellows (now totaling over 1,200). When Hertz Fellows complete graduate school, we intend that they do so armed with more than their degree, research experience, and colleagues from that university, but also with a set of collaborators across disciplines, geography, and generations, all ready to help them succeed throughout their careers. Application deadline: October 27, 2017.