College of Science Scholarships: Fueling Future Innovators

The pursuit of knowledge in science is an exploration of our existence, delving into the "whys" and "hows" of our world and our place within it. For students passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the universe, the financial burden of higher education can be a significant obstacle. Fortunately, a multitude of scholarships exist to support aspiring scientists in their academic journeys. These scholarships aim to encourage students to achieve their career and academic goals, eliminating the financial barriers that would prevent them from doing so otherwise.

The Breadth of Science Disciplines

Science as an academic discipline encompasses a wide array of fields. Scholarships are often tailored to specific areas of study, such as:

Biological Sciences: This category includes scholarships for biology, chemistry, entomology, cell biology, and related fields. Biology itself involves the study of living organisms, their structure, habitats, and life activities. Biochemistry explores living systems and their chemical components, while bioinformatics applies computer technology to biological research. Genetics provides a foundation for advanced science studies.
Physical Sciences: Scholarships may also support students in physics, astronomy, and related disciplines.
Interdisciplinary Fields: Emerging fields like materials science and environmental science also offer scholarship opportunities.

Types of Science Scholarships

Science scholarships come in various forms, catering to different needs and academic levels:

Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships recognize academic excellence and potential. They often consider GPA, test scores, and research experience.
Need-Based Scholarships: These scholarships provide financial assistance to students from low-income backgrounds. They typically require applicants to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or a similar financial aid form.
Scholarships for Specific Demographics: Many scholarships target underrepresented groups in STEM, such as women, minorities, and students with disabilities. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and inclusion in the scientific community.
Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study: Some scholarships are specifically for students pursuing degrees in particular areas of science, such as pre-medicine, environmental science, or computer science.
Scholarships for Graduate Students: A number of scholarships are specifically for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in science. These scholarships often provide funding for research, tuition, and living expenses.

Featured Scholarship Programs and Opportunities

Here are some examples of science scholarship programs and individual scholarships:

National Programs and Foundations

AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program: Supports students pursuing a Ph.D. in a college of pharmacy. The fellowship provides a stipend that can be used for various educational expenses.
R&D Systems Scholarship Program: Awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a science-related field.
Novus Biologicals Scholarship Program: Supports students pursuing a degree in a science-related field, emphasizing the importance of research in the life science community.
"Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship": Specifically for female candidates majoring in engineering, math, or biological or physical sciences.
Dr. Vicki L. Schechtman Scholarship (AWIS): Offers undergraduate women interested in pursuing a career in scientific studies. Preference is given to applicants who wish to pursue research.
Entomological Foundation Scholarships: Supports undergraduate students majoring in entomology, biology, zoology, or a related science.
Intel Science Talent Search: A prestigious competition for high school seniors with independent research projects.
Catching The Dream Scholarship: Supports Native American students pursuing degrees in various fields, including STEM.
Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program (Friends of Volo Bog): Offers scholarships to students interested in pursuing an environmental career.
NASF Foundation Scholarships: Open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students majoring in subjects related to surface science.
The S-STEM Program: Its main goal is to enable academically talented, low-income students to pursue successful careers in promising STEM fields.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many colleges and universities offer their own science scholarships. Here are some examples from Oregon State University:

Harriet R. Anderson Scholarship: For College of Science students with junior or senior standing.
Fred & Mary Brauti Pre-Medical Scholarship: Supports College of Science students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
Amy Chadburn Pre-Medical Scholarship: To outstanding pre-medical students with junior or senior standing.
Bev and Dick Chadburn Scholarship: Supports a pre-medical or pre-dental sophomore, junior or senior in the College.
College of Science First Year Opportunity Scholarship: To recruit and attract incoming science students to the College of Science.
College of Science Transfer Opportunity Scholarship: To recruit and attract incoming science transfer students to the College of Science.
G. V. Copson Scholarship: To a junior or senior who shows academic promise in the College of Science.
Paul Copson Memorial Scholarship: To a junior or senior in the Department of Mathematics or Physics.
John and Gretchen Morris Scholarship in Cell Biology: To a junior or senior in the College of Science with a demonstrated interest in cells.
Corvallis Clinic J. Riley M.D. Health Occupations Science Scholarship: To a junior pursuing a health-related profession.
Ray, Frances, and Dale Cripps Student Support: To students majoring in any life sciences or discipline with an aptitude for research and interest in human health.
Dawson Family Scholarship: Established by Dennis Dawson (’66) to play forward a scholarship received from a local business helping finance his college experience.
The Dean’s Scholarship in College of Science: To benefit an exceptional student enrolled in the College of Science.
Eskridge / Lindsay Family Scholarship: To provide scholarships for undergraduate students in the College of Science with demonstrated financial need.
“Doc” Gilfillan Scholarship: To a student showing financial need and majoring in the natural sciences, including pre-professional health and teaching programs.
Augustin & Rita Gombart Medical Scholarship: To support deserving junior or senior students in pre-medicine.
Haberman Pre-medical Scholarship: To support an upcoming senior preparing for medical school with financial need.
Jesse A Hanson General Science Scholarship: To College of Science students who show high scholarship, potential for success, unimpeachable character and service to the University.
Milton Harris Science Scholarship: To undergraduate students in chemistry or biochemistry or related fields who show exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
Mark and Vicki Hehnen Veterans Science Scholarship: To support science students who are veterans and provide financial support other than tuition.
Powis Lee & Winifred Carloss Heitmeyer Scholarship: To a science student with an outstanding love of learning.
Carolyn Hennig Science Scholarship: Established by Carolyn Hennig (’63) to support students in the College with demonstrated financial need.
Clara Ann & Fred Horne Women in Science Scholarship: To outstanding sophomore or junior women in the College of Science.
K. V. Narayana Iyengar STEM Scholarship: To provide scholarships for students pursuing degrees in STEM from an underserved population and/or to help meet the College’s enrollment goals.
Kenneth R. Johnson Pre-Dental Society Scholarship: To a pre-dental student involved in the Pre-Dental Society at OSU.
Leonardo Fund: To provide emergency aid to students in the College of Science accessing OSU’s Pride Center.
Lovell-Rivers Scholarship: Established by Patricia (’69) and William Rivers (’66) to provide scholarships for juniors and seniors in the College of Science.
Merrill Family Foundation Scholarships: To be used for undergraduate scholarships for students in the College of Science.
Michael J. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship: To outstanding pre-dental students.
Pivotal Scholars Gap Fund: To provide additional resources to College of Science students who are participating in the OSU Bridge to Success program.
Robert and Susan Poole Excellence in Health Scholarship: To recruit and retain exceptional students in the College of Science interested in careers in the health fields.
George and Marthel Porter Pre-Medical Scholarship: To support a sophomore, junior or senior pre-medical student showing some financial need.
Roy and Jan Presley Scholarship Endowment Fund in Environmental Sciences Scholarship: Established by Roy (’55) and Jan Presley (’54), the fund is to be used to support students studying environmental sciences.
Elizabeth Reeves Scholarship: To a sophomore or junior pursuing a degree in the Life Sciences demonstrating involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities and an aptitude for research.
Rise Scholarship: To support College of Science students with disabilities.
Paul A. & Mary Ann Roberts Scholarship: To provide scholarships for students in the College of Science who have demonstrated financial need.
Sally Runes-Hicks Scholarship: To an incoming College of Science student in chemistry, physics, microbiology or mathematics.
Anne Runes-Wilson Science Scholarship: To a College of Science student chosen from the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology or Mathematics.
Science for All Fund: To increase access and retention for non-traditional students with high financial need in the College of Science.
Science Scholars Fund: To outstanding students in any science major.
Gretchen S. Schuette Scholarship: For College of Science students who have demonstrated academic achievement, have transferred to OSU from an Oregon Community College and are dedicated to a career in science.
Skach Family Science Scholarship: Established by Bill (’79) and Milly Skach, the scholarship supports high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need.
Ryan D. Sparks Predental Scholarship: To outstanding pre-dental students who show promise of exceptional careers in dentistry.
Judith Ann Smith Hill Memorial STEM Scholarship: To support a student in the College, with preference for women.
Student Success Scholarship: To provide student or program support to increase the retention and graduation rates of students.
Michael and Tracey Waterman Scholarship: To provide support for College of Science students who are historically underserved, who are Oregon residents and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Wei Family Private Foundation Scholarship: To undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in science or mathematics and preferably who have lived in or are related to persons living in China.
Alumni Physician Scholarship: To support high-achieving students who are in their final year of their undergraduate studies and who intend to go on to medical school.
Ralph L. Bosworth Memorial Scholarship: To graduating pre-medical students who have been accepted for admission to an accredited medical school.
Dora Krueger Memorial Scholarship in Pre-veterinary Medicine: To sophomores, juniors, or seniors in pre-veterinary medicine on the basis of character, scholarship, and need.
Berge Chandler Scholarship: To provide support for science students majoring in biochemistry and biophysics.
Ray and Frances Cripps Biochemistry/Biophysics Scholarship: To provide scholarships to students in Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Kevin & Indira Champions of Undergrads: Established by friends of Kevin Ahern and Indira Rajagopal to celebrate their retirements and honor their legacy at OSU to support undergraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, with priority given to support students who have demonstrated financial need.
Mary Hutchins Hohner Scholarship: To provide financial assistance to juniors or seniors in the Department of Biochemistry and with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Honoring Distinction in Biochemistry & Biophysics: To provide scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics.
Donald L. MacDonald Scholarship: To a junior or senior in biochemistry and biophysics who has demonstrated ability and has a desire for a career in science research.
Karen Nickel Biochemistry/Biophysics Scholarship: To provide scholarship support for students in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Woodstock Scholarship: To support an outstanding student in Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Hach Undergraduate Chemistry Teacher Scholarship Program: To outstanding chemistry majors who have demonstrated high academic achievement and aspiration to make a contribution to the chemical and chemistry teaching profession.
Dorothy & Ramon Barnes Chemistry Scholarship: To support scholarships for students in Chemistry with financial need, with preference for women.
Peter B. Culter Scholarship: To juniors or seniors in the Department of Chemistry.
Carroll W. and Gerry A. DeKock Scholarship: To first- and second-year chemistry majors.
Larry & K’Sondra Fredrickson Chemistry Scholarship: To provide scholarships for Chemistry students.
Milton Harris Chemistry Scholarship: For chemistry majors who show exceptional scholastic achievement in chemistry, leadership, and demonstrate the potential for a promising career in science.
James D. Ingle Chemistry Scholarship: For a chemistry student going into their junior year, who has been a full time student at OSU the previous year.
Keith McKennon Chemistry Scholarship: To undergraduate students majoring in chemistry.
Linda May Oleson Scholarship for Excellence: To a full-time senior majoring in chemistry with demonstrated potential for a successful career in chemistry.
Jeff Fahey & Margaret Peterson Scholarship in Chemistry: To provide scholarships for students in Chemistry, with preference for students who are residents of Oregon.
Colleen Spurgeon Chemistry Scholarship: To an outstanding student in chemistry.

Fresno State Scholarships

Fresno State offers various scholarships through its departments, schools, colleges, and programs.

Bold.org Scholarships

Bold.org provides a platform with numerous science scholarships, including:

Rajesh Aggarwal Scholarship for Scientific Studies: Supports low-income high school juniors or seniors in Massachusetts or New Jersey.
JoLynn Blanton Memorial Scholarship: Supports low-income high school seniors or college students.
Future Leaders in Technology Scholarship - High School Award: Supports underrepresented high school students interested in technology careers.
Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship: Supports high school students dedicated to learning.
Software Engineers Scholarship: Supports students pursuing degrees in software engineering, computer science, or related fields.
Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Scholarship: Supports students in high school or undergraduate programs pursuing STEM careers in North Carolina.
Bold Science Matters Scholarship: Supports students interested in science and scientific discoveries.
"Science for Life" Biology and Health Sciences No-Essay Scholarship: Supports students interested in biology or health sciences.
Network After Work No-Essay Scholarship: Supports recent college graduates and graduate students.
Stride Funding Affordable Tuition Scholarship: Supports students within two years of receiving a degree in STEM, healthcare, or business programs.
Michael Delaney Sullivan Scholarship: Supports community college students in California studying biology.
Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship: Supports students pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science.
Tony Alviani Memorial Scholarship: Supports high school seniors or undergraduates pursuing business or computer science degrees in Pennsylvania.
John Alfred Smythe Memorial Scholarship: Supports students passionate about materials science engineering.
Barry Mullinax Wolfpack Engineering Scholarship: Supports undergraduates at North Carolina State University pursuing engineering degrees.
Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship: Supports underrepresented students interested in STEM careers.
Feltus Impact Fund Scholarship: Supports female students in Texas working towards degrees in political science, STEM, or social science.
Rho Brooks Women in STEM Scholarship: Supports female high school seniors or undergraduates pursuing STEM degrees.
Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship: Supports students of any education level studying math-related fields.

How to Find and Apply for Science Scholarships

Research: Explore online scholarship databases, university websites, and professional organizations to identify relevant scholarships.
Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements.
Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays.
Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit your materials on time.
Personalize Your Application: Tailor your application to each scholarship, highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and goals.
Seek Feedback: Ask teachers, mentors, or advisors to review your application and provide feedback.
Apply Early: Start the application process early to allow ample time for gathering materials and writing essays.
Be Persistent: Don't be discouraged if you don't receive every scholarship you apply for. Keep searching and applying for opportunities.

The Importance of Science Scholarships

Science scholarships play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of scientists and innovators. By providing financial support, these scholarships:

Increase Access to Education: They make higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Reduce Student Debt: They help students minimize their reliance on student loans, allowing them to pursue their careers without the burden of excessive debt.
Promote Diversity in STEM: They encourage underrepresented groups to pursue STEM fields, leading to a more inclusive and innovative scientific community.
Support Research and Innovation: They enable students to focus on their studies and research, contributing to advancements in science and technology.
Address Workforce Needs: They help fill critical workforce gaps in STEM fields, ensuring that the United States remains competitive in the global economy.
Encourage Future Scientists: By awarding financial assistance needed to pursue a degree in life sciences or physics is key to their professional development and the bettering of the society these students will serve after graduation

Addressing the Gender and Racial Gap in STEM

The STEM workforce is not representative of the population as a whole. Women, Black, Latinx, and Native American individuals are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields. Scholarship programs play a vital role in addressing this disparity by:

Targeting Scholarships to Underrepresented Groups: Many scholarships are specifically designed to support women and minorities in STEM.
Providing Mentorship and Support: Some scholarship programs offer mentorship and support services to help students from underrepresented groups succeed in STEM.
Promoting STEM Education in Underserved Communities: Some organizations work to promote STEM education in underserved communities, preparing more students for college and careers in STEM.

Career Paths for Science Majors

A science degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths, including:

Research Scientist: Conduct research in various fields, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
Science Policy Analyst: Analyze scientific data and provide recommendations to policymakers.
Research Assistant: Assist scientists with research projects.
Grant Administrator/Program Officer: Manage grant programs for scientific research.
Computational Astrophysicist: Use computer simulations to study astrophysical phenomena.
Epidemiologist: Study the causes and patterns of diseases.
Medical Doctor: Diagnose and treat illnesses.
Teacher/Professor: Educate students in science at the high school or college level.
Science Writer: Communicate scientific information to the public.
Environmental Scientist: Study environmental problems and develop solutions.
Data Scientist: Collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets.
Software Engineer: Design and develop software applications.