All MIT School of Engineering students (and students from other majors) are invited to apply to join the Bernard M. Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program. The program will select promising engineering undergraduate students based in particular on demonstrated engineering leadership potential at the High School and/or early undergraduate career levels.
What's it like to be a GEL?
- See how GEL has helped MIT students just like you!
- Read Stanley Gill's GEL blog.
- Watch this short video that shows how you'll become a engineering leader during your time as a GEL.
- This diagram shows how you may progress through GEL.
- Discover more about GEL requirements in the GEL handbook.
" GEL has been an incredible experience so far in my MIT career." — A.K., GEL '13
GEL Application Quick Facts:
- You need not have taken UPOP to become a GEL (if you haven't taken UPOP, complete the request for a waiver section in your application)
- Current enrollment in a School of Engineering degree program is required but an alternative may be available by petition (Send your petition to Bruce Mendelsohn)
- Commitment to participate actively in GEL is a key requirement for admission!
Students can participate in the first year of the program (GEL Year One) and apply for admission to the program's second year (GEL Year Two). Students who have successfully completed the GEL Year One Program requirements will earn a GEL Year One Program Certificate of Completion.
Advancement to GEL Year Two is based on several variables, including successful completion of the GEL Year One Program requirements, staff evaluation, and other variables to be announced.
Watch this short video in which GEL alumna Ariadne Smith (GEL '10) and Nora Micheva (GEL '10) share the networking benefits of the Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program.
UPOP (the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program) is a preferred prerequisite for GEL (petitions to waive the UPOP prerequisite will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
Waivers may be granted (at the discretion of program leadership) only for significant engineering practice or relevant leadership experience; which, taken together with completing the basic requirements of UPOP (May training session, Summer industry internship, Summer internship journal, Fall de-brief, etc.), will satisfy the GEL prerequisite.
All GEL applicants will be asked to prepare and submit an application package which includes:
- A short online application consisting of two questions regarding the applicant's leadership experiences and aspirations;
- Demographic data including the applicant's major, GPA, etc.;
- A updated resume which includes the applicant's home and campus address, major, GPA, a list of publications, honors, etc.; and
- Supporting materials as indicated.
The selection process for GEL Year One applicants includes a review of completed application packets by ELP faculty/staff, Industry Advisory Board members, Faculty Advisory Board members, and current GELs.
All GEL Year One Program applicants are required to sign up for and participate in a 15-20 minute in-person interview conducted by ELP faculty/staff and current GELs.
In addition to students applying individually for the GEL Year One Program, we also welcome applicant nominations through faculty/staff of MIT's School of Engineering Departments, project team leaders, and/or other faculty who believe they have suitable and appropriate candidates (faculty are encouraged to submit names of appropriate candidates to Bruce Mendelsohn, Director of Communications & Outreach)
Check out this video of how being a GEL helped Tanya Goldhaber (GEL '10) hone her engineering leadership skills!