Jackie Robinson Foundation

http://www.jackierobinson.org/

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of minority students who aspire to attend college but also to guide them through the process of higher education.

Scholarship Award

Through its Mentoring and Leadership Development Program, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $28,000/four years to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.

To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must:

• Be a graduating high school senior;
• Plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year institution within the United States;
• Show leadership potential;
• Demonstrate a dedication to community service;
• Present evidence of financial need;
• Be a United States citizen;
• Have a minimum SAT score of 1,000 combined on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21;
• Not possess a degree from a 2 or 4–year College when applying for the scholarship

The required components of the Jackie Robinson Foundation application are:

• The online application, which includes four essay questions;
• A professional, hi-resolution digital photo (headshots only, in a JPEG format) – you may submit a high school senior graduation photo;
• One letter of recommendation (e.g. a teacher, a mentor, a guidance counselor, an employer);
• SAT or ACT scores: If you have taken the SAT or ACT more than once, please enter your best scores from each test. NOTE: JRF does not consider the writing scores as part of your examination.

The Ron Brown Scholarship

https://www.ronbrown.org/

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.  RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline.  Since the Program’s inception in 1996, more than 300 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

RON BROWN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements:

• Must be Black/African American.
• Must excel academically.
• Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
• Must participate in community service activities.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
• Be a current high school senior at the time of your application.  NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.
• To Apply Click Here: Ron Brown Scholarship Application

GUIDED PATHWAY SUPPORT (GPS) PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:

Interested applicants for the Guided Pathway Support Program are strongly encouraged to apply if you meet the following requirements:

• Must be Black/African American.
• Must be rising high school junior or senior.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Have demonstrated leadership and active involvement at school and/or in the community.
• Please note that College GPS is not for current seniors who will be enrolling in college in the fall of 2016.
• To Apply Click Here: Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Application

UNCF/KOCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

https://scholarships.uncf.org

The UNCF/Koch Scholars Program (UKSP) is designed to teach students how to develop and apply an entrepreneurial mindset by exploring how the study of entrepreneurship, innovation and economics contribute to well being for individuals, communities and societies.

Students, who are competitively selected to participate in this program, will receive:

*  Scholarship Support of up to $5,000/Year *  Exclusive Access to an Online Learning Community About  Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economics*  Mentoring Opportunities and Networking Access

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

To Apply for a UKSP Undergraduate Scholarship, an Applicant Must Be:

*  African-American

*  A High School Senior Applying to or Admitted to an Eligible Four-Year College or University OR A College Freshman Attending an Eligible Four-Year College or University 

*  Pursuing One of the Seven Eligible Disciplines: (a) Accounting, (b) Business, (c) Economics, (d) Engineering, (e) History, (f) Philosophy or (g) Political Science.  Reference Supporting Documents to Verify Your School and Major Eligibility. See Important Note Below.**

*  A High School Senior OR College Freshman with a Cumulative 2.7 GPA

*  A Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States

*  Committed to Learning about How Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economics Contribute to Well-Being through Participation in an Online Community and Annual Summit.

All required fields, including six essays must be completed in the Student Application.

Student Application Requires Two Uploads/Attachment:

*  High School Transcript or College Transcript 

*  Student Aid Report

Note: A copy of your entire Student Aid Report (SAR). This mufti-page document will be made available to you upon completion of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or will be available online if you filed electronically. NOTE: Please submit all pages, including explanatory notes. Incomplete reports cannot be considered.

In Addition to Completing the Student Application, the Following Must be Done:

*  Obtain One Reference

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RECOMMENDATION GUIDANCE

Please Note the Following Guidelines on "How to Invite Reference/Recommender?"

One letter of recommendation is required for a complete application.  The recommender must not be related to you. The recommendation form must be submitted before or by the deadline.

In order to give your recommender the maximum amount of time to submit his/her recommendation, you should enter all information for your recommender (name and e-mail) as early as possible. This Application System will remind you to "Invite References" until your reccomender has been invited. This generates an e-mail to your recommender notifying him/her of your application and request for his/her recommendation. Your recommender should log on to the website and register as a reference using the invitation code and information contained in the e-mail, then cut and paste a letter of recommendation for you into the Essay text box.

Library Scholarship For Minority Students In Memory Of Edna Yelland

The CLA Scholarship for Minority Students in Memory of Edna Yelland encourages and supports ethnic minority students in the attainment of a graduate degree in library or information studies and encourages commitment to the improvement of library services to ethnic minority communities.

Edna Yelland graduated from the California State Library School in Sacramento, obtained a County Librarians Certificate and served as the librarian for Tuolumne County and then San Mateo County. She later headed the Cutting Branch of Richmond Public Library and, from this position, became executive secretary of the California Library Association from 1947 to 1963. It is in memory of this gracious woman who worked so hard to promote the goals of the association and of the profession that the Edna Yelland scholarships are awarded. A profile of Edna Yelland is available here.

A maximum of three scholarships are awarded each year. Recipients are each awarded $2,500, a one-year student membership to CLA, and honored at the CLA annual conference.  Recipients are encouraged to enroll into CLA's Mentoring Program.

The CLA Scholarship for Minority Students in Memory of Edna Yelland is funded by CLA's Edna Yelland Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and will enable CLA to continue supporting ethnic minority students and encouraging commitment to the improvement of library services to ethnic minority communities in California.

If you would like to contribute to CLA's Edna Yelland Scholarship Fund, please send your check or money order to the CLA office or use our online donation form. For more information on making a contribution, please contact the CLA Executive Director.

Application information for the CLA Edna Yelland Scholarship.

Application period
The 2017 scholarship application period is open until Monday, March 27, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT.

EligibilityApplicants must:

• be US citizens (or permanent US residents) and permanent California residents;
• be enrolled in an ALA-accredited master's of library and information science or information studies program and have completed one or more courses (applications from students at institutions actively seeking accreditation are also welcome);
• intend to work in a California library upon graduation;
• be a member of one of the following ethnic minority groups: African American or Black; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Latino/Hispanic; Pacific Islander;
• provide a description of your financial need; and
• be available for interview by the Edna Yelland Scholarship Committee. Individuals will be chosen for oral interview based upon the merits of the written application.

How to apply
Applicants should submit the following to CLA:

• An explanation of your current financial situation (including salary, number of dependents, etc.).
• A list of all scholarships and financial aid for which you intend to apply and/or have been awarded for graduate education.
• The names and addresses of the educational institutions you have attended and, for each institution, your highest degree attained (if any), your years of attendance, and your subject or field of study.
• A list of your employers, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities for any library experience.
• Information you would like to tell us about any volunteer experiences.
• Names and contact information for two professional references.
• An essay discussing your interest in librarianship, your academic or professional goals, and how this scholarship would help achieve those goals. The essay should include all of these topics, be grammatically correct, and be 1,000 words or less.

Please note: when submitting supplementary files by email, please label your files as follows: Yelland_your last name_document (e.g. Yelland_smith_educational institutions; Yelland_smith_essay).

Applications should be submitted using the online application form below. Supplementary files may be emailed to Shana Sojoyner.

Further information

• The CLA Scholarship for Minority Students in Memory of Edna Yelland is coordinated by CLA's Edna Yelland Scholarship Committee.
• The committee reserves the right not to award scholarships if qualified candidates are not found.
• The amount of each scholarship may change depending on available funds and the financial need of applicants.
• Award recipients will be asked to submit a photograph to be used in award publicity.
• Applications and all supplementary materials must be received by 5:00pm on the submission deadline.

Apply Now! 

Quote of the Day: Wilma Rudolph

Quote of the Day: Susan L. Taylor

Quote of the Day: Jesse Owens

Quote of the Day: Dr. Mae Jemison

The Ron Brown Scholarship

History 

Established in 1996 by the CAP Charitable Foundation, the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, the late Secretary of Commerce, through a selective, multi-level scholarship and leadership program which focuses on academic achievement, community service and career emersion for African American college bound high school seniors. The RBSP is dedicated to improving the lives of young African Americans and empowering and supporting them to achieve their potential within their chosen academic disciplines and into the workforce. Out of the approximately 6,000 applications received annually, the RBSP awards 20 or more new scholarships in the amount of $40,000 each year ($10,000 per year for 4 years) to talented high school seniors. The RBSP enjoys a 99% college graduation rate of its Scholars. In addition, the RBSP has produced unique patterns of career success and accomplishments for 340 African American youth, who are now leaders, creators and transformers on their college campuses and in their chosen careers and professions, all while remaining dedicated to impacting the lives of others. Graduating Scholars go on to outstanding careers in the arts, sciences and public service, and many more pursue professional degrees in law, medicine and business. Ron Brown Scholars benefit from a safety net of high-touch mentoring and guidance from committed staff who serve as an extended family to the Scholars to support and nurture their success in college and beyond. The Program coordinates career and community-oriented internships, promotes strong links and a spirit of interconnectedness among the Scholars, and annually hosts regional initiatives, including a highly-interactive summer leadership conference to promote fellowship and the exchange of ideas.

 Mission 

The mission of the Ron Brown Scholar Program is to advance higher education and improve the lives of public service-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans and to accelerate their progress into impactful leadership roles and opportunities. Our Vision The vision of the Ron Brown Scholar Program is to cultivate the next generation of transformational leaders who positively impact their communities and blaze new paths in their chosen careers and professions.

Eligibility Requirements

The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify students who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential and make an impact on their communities through service to others. Each year, twenty or more students are designated Ron Brown Scholars and receive $10,000 annually for four years, for a total of $40,000. The recipients may use the need and merit-based scholarships to attend the four-year college or university of their choice. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. As of April, 2014, 340 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars since the inception of the Program. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, Black/African American and current high school seniors at the time of their application. Current college students are not eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, exhibit leadership ability, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. Ron Brown Scholars are selected in the spring prior to entering college. Applications are screened between November and February by Ron Brown Scholar Program staff. In March, finalists are invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C. at the expense of the Ron Brown Scholar Fund. Finalists are interviewed by members of the Ron Brown Selection Committee and are expected to participate in several Selection Weekend activities. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their applications, interviews and participation in Selection Weekend activities. Due to the volume of applications, the Ron Brown Scholar Program is only able to notify students who move on to the semifinalist and finalist rounds of the competition.

Application Deadline

 The Ron Brown Scholar Program currently has two deadlines for applications (students must be current high school seniors at the time of their application): November 1st (postmarked) —application will be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program and forwarded to a select and limited number of colleges and scholarship providers. Students must still apply to any colleges or for scholarship programs in which they are interested. January 9th (postmarked)—final deadline in order to be considered for only the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Application materials must be mailed in one packet. Transcripts and letters of recommendation should not be sent under separate cover. SAT/ACT scores must be included on the application at the time it is mailed. Incomplete, e-mailed or faxed applications will not be considered. Only semi-finalists and finalists will be notified by the Ron Brown Scholar Program office in March. Winners of the scholarship will be notified by April 1st and names will be posted on the Ron Brown Scholar Program web site, no later than May 1st. Scholarship Conditions Ron Brown scholarships may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend. Students may use the scholarship to cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, room and board, computers, health insurance, study abroad and other college-related expenses.

 For further information, please contact: Ron Brown Scholar Program 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 206 Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434 964 1588 Fax: 434 964 1589 Email: info@ronbrown.org Website: www.ronbrown.org

Quote of the Day:Colin Powell

The Aspen Institute Program: William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students

FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION

The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) in Washington, DC offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship to one student three times annually. The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of color. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with PSI in the Washington, DC office of the Aspen Institute. Through this fellowship, PSI seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues and challenges affecting philanthropy, social enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other actors in the social sector. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.

The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation seeks to inform and maximize the impact of grantmaking foundations, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships through leadership development initiatives, convenings, and communications so that each can contribute to the good society at home and abroad.

POSITION DETAILS

Activities: In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes research, writing, logistical, and administrative support for PSI’s leadership initiatives, public programs, and convenings.

Requirements: Candidates for this fellowship are highly motivated graduate or undergraduate students from underrepresented communities of color. Candidates must be enrolled at an institution of higher education for the semester which they will be applying. Summer candidates must show proof of enrollment for the upcoming fall semester. Each candidate should have an excellent academic record and also have the following:

1. Demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector;
2. Excellent research and writing skills;
3. Demonstrated financial need; and
4. U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Students approved for participation in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are eligible to apply.

This is not a scholarship. The student must be able to work as an intern for 12-15 weeks in the Washington, DC office of the Aspen Institute during the academic semester in which the fellowship is awarded. Fall and Spring interns will work part-time (15-20 hours per week) and Summer interns will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.

Fellowship Compensation: Fellows will be compensated on an hourly basis in the fall, spring and summer.

Applications are considered three times annually:

• Internship Availability: Spring 2017 (January-May)
  • Application Deadline: November 18, 2016; Award Notification: December 20, 2016
• Internship Availability: Summer 2017 (May-August)
  • Application Deadline: March 17, 2017; Award Notification: April 18, 2017
• Internship Availability: Fall 2016 (August-December)
  • Application Deadline: September 8, 2016; Award Notification: September 22, 2016

Quote of the Day: Rosa Parks

Quote of the Day: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

HIGHER EDUCATION LEGLISLATIVE PLAN FOR NEEDY STUDENTS (HELP)

Sponsored by: Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning

Program Overview

Created by the Mississippi Legislature, this program is designed to provide tuition assistance to qualified students whose financial need, as demonstrated by federal student aid eligibility, will not be met with gift aid from other sources.  The program provides full tuition to qualified students for up to four years.

Deadlines:

• Application dates: October 1- March 31
• Supporting Documents (including certified HELP Core Curriculum): April 30

Initial Eligibility Requirements for the Graduating High School Senior:

• Be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi
• Have a high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale
• Have scored a minimum of a 20 on the National ACT
• Have completed a specific high school core curriculum.  Learn about the HELP Core Curriculum below.
• Meet income limitations.*
• Demonstrate need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be accepted and enrolled full-time at an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi
• Must be pursuing first certificate, first associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree

Review the complete program Rules and Regulations: HELP Rules and Regulations

*Income limitations have changed.  The maximum Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for eligibility was scheduled to increase from $39,500 in 2015-16 to $42,500 in 2016-17.  However, SB2868 (FY2017 Appropriation for Student Financial Aid) freezes the income threshold at the 2015-16 level of $39,500.

Initial Eligibility Requirements for Students Currently Enrolled in College

• Be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi
• Be within one year of high school graduation (current college freshman)
• Have scored a minimum of a 20 on the National ACT
• Have a minimum of a 2.50 cumulative college grade point average
• Have completed a specific high school core curriculum.  Learn about the HELP Core Curriculum below.
• Attend an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi
• Meet income limitations..*
• Demonstrate need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Not be in default on a student loan or on any repayment of state awards
• Enroll and complete full-time enrollment each semester
• Must be pursuing first certificate, first associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree

Review the complete program Rules and Regulations: HELP Rules and Regulations

Award Amount/Length of Eligibility 

• Tuition and required fees at a public institution
• Participants attending a private institution will receive an award amount equal to the award of a student attending the nearest comparable public institution.
• Max 8 semesters (12 trimesters) or bachelor’s degree completion, whichever comes first

To Apply – New Applicants:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Complete the online application.
3. Submit the following supporting documents:

• Residency (must document one year of residency with two distinct forms of documentation):
  – Preferred forms of residency documentation include: (1) Copy of Mississippi driver’s license, unless you elected to submit it electronically during the online application (NOTE: Dependent student’s should provide parent’s driver’s license. Independent students should provide student’s driver’s license. Am I dependent or independent?); and (2) FAFSA
• Household/Family Size: Completed HELP Scholarship Worksheet (also referred to as the Household Verification Worksheet)
• Financial Need (must document one year of income):
  – FAFSA
• Verification of completion of specific high school core curriculum.  Learn about the HELP Core Curriculum below.

How to Submit Supporting Documents

To Apply – Renewal Applicants:Renewal Applicants are applicants who have previously received an award through the program.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Complete the online application.
3. Submit the HELP Scholarship Worksheet (also referred to as the Household Verification Worksheet).
4. A college transcript may be requested if needed.

How to Submit Supporting Documents

HELP Core Curriculum

REQUIRED CPC + 1 – The HELP Core Curriculum is seventeen and one-half (17-1/2) units of high school course work that includes the REQUIRED IHL College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC), plus one (1) additional advanced elective unit.

Required CPC: http://riseupms.com/apply/#1/

Download a HELP Core Curriculum Checklist.

The IHL Office of Academic and Student Affairs maintains a complete list of courses that can be used to satisfy the CPC requirements here: http://www.mississippi.edu/admissions/curriculum.asp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why must I reapply for HELP every year?
   Current legislation requires “…the board shall create a renewal application for each student who received the award for one or more terms during the immediately preceding academic year.” At a minimum, a student must file the following renewal document no later than the close of business on the deadline date.
2. Is my grade point average (GPA) checked at the end of each semester or at the end of the academic year? Besides my GPA, what else is checked?While an updated grade point average will be received from the college at the end of each semester/trimester; continuing eligibility based on GPA will be assessed only once annually at the end of the spring semester/trimester. HELP recipients will be monitored for continuous full-time enrollment at the end of each semester/trimester.
3. I have lost eligibility for HELP. How can I regain eligibility?
   If a student loses HELP eligibility due to less than full-time enrollment status, that student must attend and pay for, without the benefit of HELP funds, one full-time semester or trimester during a regular academic year, before regaining eligibility unless an exception for cause has been granted. If a student loses HELP eligibility due to having less than a 2.5 GPA that student will regain eligibility when the cumulative GPA is improved to the required minimum.
4. I graduated from high school three years ago and just learned about HELP. Am I eligible to apply?
   No. HELP applicants must apply and qualify for HELP within one year of high school graduation.
5. Is HELP available to me for summer school?
   No. HELP is available during the regular academic year only.
6. Do students have to have COMPLETED all of the courses in the Core Curriculum by the April 30 document deadline? 
   No.  Students must be enrolled and must complete the core curriculum before the end of the spring semester.  The core curriculum may not be completed through courses taken in summer school following the student’s senior year.
7. How do I submit supporting documents to the Office of Student Financial Aid?
   How to Submit Supporting Documents

2017-18 STEM Bridge Scholarship Program - Virginia Space Grant ConSortium

Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provides renewable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Bridge Scholarships of $1,000 to 2017-2018 sophomore students from any federally recognized minority group enrolled full-time in a program of STEM at one of the five Virginia Space Grant member universities.

Contact:   Tysha Sanford, STEM Education Specialist, 757/766-5210

Application deadline is March 13, 2017!

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VSGC is currently recruiting applicants to the 2017-18 STEM Bridge Scholarship Program.

Overview
A major goal of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is to help produce the engineers and scientists of the future. While opportunities for careers in aerospace have expanded, the number of talented students pursuing degrees in mathematics, engineering and the sciences has declined.  To encourage talented individuals to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields and research, the VSGC established the STEM Bridge Scholarship Program. 

Eligibility:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Students must be identified as a member of a federally recognized minority which includes students whose ethnicity is African American, Native American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander.
• Must enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 credit hours) at one of the five Virginia Space Grant Consortium member institutions (College of William and Mary, Hampton University , Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech)
• Must have completed at least one year of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) undergraduate program and be classified as a sophomore during the 2017-2018 academic year
• Must have a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Must be in a program of study demonstrating an interest in STEM or supporting NASA's mission
• Award is contingent upon review of spring 2017 final transcript
• Must Not graduate before May 2020

The STEM Bridge Scholarship Program is a great entryway into the NASA pipeline and can lead to future VSGC scholarships and fellowships and NASA internship programs. This is a competitive scholarship program, funded by NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia contributions, with the goals of:

• Increasing participation in STEM-related research and careers by students from any federally recognized minority who demonstrate high academic achievement and promise;
• Promoting undergraduate STEM-related research by assisting students with establishing relationships with student and faculty mentors early in their academic career;
• Increasing the diversity of applicants to VSGC’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program by creating a bridge program that supports federally recognized minority students in their early undergraduate years; and,
• Implementing the goals of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Benefits of Being a VSGC Undergraduate STEM Bridge Scholar

• Students enter into the VSGC scholarship pipeline. This opportunity can lead to future VSGC scholarships and fellowships as well as NASA internship programs
• Students are also encouraged to join NASA sponsored One Stop Shop Initiative (OSSI).
• Students are exposed early in their college careers to STEM-related research and will be connected to faculty and students conducting research at their institution.  Scholars can use this opportunity to identify research projects to be submitted for future scholarship opportunities.
• Students receive feedback and guidance on how to prepare applications for NASA-related and other STEM internships.

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Awardee Requirements 

FALL requirements for Sophomores:

Requirement 1 :

Awardees are required to attend a fall meeting at your schools with VSGC scholarship Coordinator. At the information session you will hear about all VSGC scholarships, fellowships and internships that are available. You are required to bring your resume to this meeting. You will also meet current awardees and hear about NASA internships.

Requirement 2 :

1. Conduct some online research about NASA's current missions or planned missions, from any of the four NASA Mission Directorates. NASA aligns its research and other activities into these four Directorates. Links to NASA Mission Directorates will be provided.
2. Interview a current faculty member at your university who teaches and conducts research in an area of interest to you. This research should be of interest to NASA but not necessarily already being conducted by NASA. You will want to do some of your own research to identify someone who could possibly be a good mentor for your future research.
3. Apply to NASA's One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) for internships.

Awardees are required to submit a 1-2-page report summarizing what you learned during the interview and the NASA Mission Directorates.

After you complete both requirements, the first half of your scholarship award ($500) will be released.

Spring requirements for Sophomores:

There are two requirements for the spring semester. One is to apply for another scholarship with us, the STEM Bridge Scholarship renewal or the Undergraduate Research Scholarship. The second requirement is to attend our annual Student Research Conference held in April. (no cost to students)

After your conference evaluation is submitted to VSGC, the second half of your scholarship award ($500) will be released.

FALL requirements for Juniors /Renewals

Requirement 1

Awardees are required to attend a fall meeting at your schools with VSGC scholarship Coordinator. At the information session you will hear about all VSGC scholarships, fellowships and internships that are available. You are required to bring your resume to this meeting. You will also meet current awardees and hear about NASA internships.

Requirement 2

Write a research abstract that will be the basis of your research and a 1-2 page outline of your work plan to develop the final proposal.

After you complete both requirements, the first half of your scholarship award ($500) will be released

Spring requirements for Juniors /Renewals

There are two requirements for the spring semester. One is to apply for the Undergraduate Research Scholarship. The second requirement is to attend our annual Student Research Conference held in April. (No cost to students) After your conference evaluation is submitted to VSGC, the second half of your scholarship award ($500) will be released.

Upon selection, awardees must submit an acceptance form and provide a photo and biographical information; inform the Consortium of changes of address; and respond to academic and employment follow-up surveys. Students may also be asked to share their experience in public forums, classroom presentations and professional meetings. Presentations that encourage interest in aerospace careers and research to high school students are of particular interest to the Consortium.

Selection Criteria

VSGC established this program to promote STEM-related careers and research at the undergraduate level and to serve as a bridge to VSGC’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Graduate Research Fellowship and other NASA related programs. 

Awardees should have an academic background that demonstrates a strong interest and ability in science, math, and technology reflected by completion of a significant number of these courses with high achievement.  The student should have the necessary academic coursework and preparation to be successful in a STEM major at the institution.  Awardees should also possess a strong interest in a STEM-related career demonstrated by participation in extracurricular activities and prior school projects in STEM.  Prior participation in research, NASA programs or similar STEM-related educational programs, both formal and informal, would also indicate the student has a good chance of sustaining interest in STEM.  Student applications will be judged based on academic merit, background, faculty recommendation and demonstrated interest in NASA and a career in STEM. 

More information about NASA four Mission Directorates can be found in the links below:

• Space Technology - Develop the crosscutting, advanced and pioneering new technologies needed for current and future missions, benefiting the aerospace industry and other agencies, and addressing national needs.
• Aeronautics Research - Enable a safer, more secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly air transportation system.
• Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate - Operate the International Space Station and prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
• Science - Exploring the Earth-Sun system, our own solar system, and the universe beyond.

Application Review Process

Applications will be found online on the VSGC website.  Applications will only be accepted online.  VSGC will work directly with the institution’s VSGC Undergraduate STEM Bridge Scholarship Program point of contact and VSGC advisory council members to help facilitate a competitive selection process and will make final approval of all student selections.  VSGC will notify awardees of their selection and provide them with the awardee requirements and a description of the scholarship program. Students will be required to notify VSGC to officially accept or decline the scholarship offer.  VSGC will notify each institution of the student’s decision.

Application Timeline: 
Awards will be announced by May 2017 with funding provided to students directly for the 2017-18 academic year.

https://career.virginia.edu/blog/2017/feb/stem-research-scholarships-available-now