NSF Scholars: Training Tomorrow's Scientists Today

The NSF Scholars Program offers a $4,000-per-year scholarship (for up to four years) to 12 freshman students entering Whitworth in the fall of 2013, and provides support services designed to enhance their academic success. This program, made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation, seeks to increase the number of U.S. scientists from historically underrepresented groups, including women, minorities and first generation college students.

Application form

Deadline date:   Extended to April 8, 2013

Program Essentials:

• NSF scholars will arrive on campus a week before classes begin for an orientation to university life, campus culture and the science programs.
• As freshmen, NSF scholars will participate in supplemental science instruction designed to enhance and accelerate their academic progress.
• In the spring semester of their first year, NSF scholars will participate in a career-exploration seminar.
• Faculty and peer mentors will work closely with NSF scholars throughout their time at Whitworth, assisting them in planning and preparing for successful careers in science.
• NSF scholars will be encouraged to take advantage of research and internship opportunities.

Program Eligibility:

• Citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), and aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
• An academic major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (the "STEM" disciplines). This includes majors in the departments of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics & computer science.
• Member of an underrepresented group in the STEM disciplines, which includes ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, and women (majoring in physics, engineering or computer science).
• Demonstrated financial need.
• A high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Application Process:
Click here for an online application. As part of the application process, students must submit a two-page essay. The application deadline is extended to April 8, 2013.  A committee of science faculty will evaluate the applications and notify applicants of their decisions. The committee will look for evidence of academic potential as revealed in academic transcripts, test scores, and the essay. Also considered are a student's interest and experiences in the sciences, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Scholarship Continuation:
This academic scholarship is renewable at the same level for four years for scholarship recipients entering Whitworth in the 2013-14 academic year. The financial aid office will review scholarship eligibility at the end of each semester. To continue as NSF scholars, students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (2.5 GPA) and remain enrolled as full-time students majoring in STEM disciplines; they must not be subject to suspension or expulsion for any campus misconduct.