The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science, Inc. (GEM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting minority students who wish to enter graduate schools after obtaining their baccalaureate degrees. The GEM Program encourages minority men and women to pursue higher degrees in engineering and the natural sciences in participating universities across the country. The Consortium provides many opportunities to minorities, including paid summer internships, stipends, and tuition waivers. Underrepresented minorities eligible for the GEM Program are American Indians, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other Hispanic Americans. Applicants must either be juniors, seniors, or graduates who have already obtained a B. S. in engineering or the natural sciences.