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National Scholarships

National scholarships recognize students whose leadership and academic achievements are nationally or internationally extraordinary. The Honors College can advise students through the application process, which can be significant yet developmental. Check with Christina McIntyre for current scholarship meetings, details on the campus process, and campus deadlines.
 

Mission of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF):

To aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts.

Virginia Tech is proud to be a participating university in the Astronaut Scholarship.

A nominee for the Astronaut Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or naturalized, and must be at least a sophomore applying for their junior, or a junior applying to receive a scholarship for their senior year. Additionally, nominated students must be enrolled for both semesters as a full-time student for the ASF-supported academic year. 

Applicants must be seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible.

Note: Special consideration is NOT given to aeronautical/astronautical engineering students or those intending to pursue careers as astronauts.

ASF Timeline

November    

  • Call for nominations (Note: Nominees CANNOT apply directly for the award, they MUST be nominated by a faculty)

January         

  • Virginia Tech campus deadline for nominations

February        

  • Candidates submit application materials
  • Virginia Tech Astronaut Committee selects two nominees to represent VT at national selection

March           

  • Final submission of campus nominees’ materials to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

June               

  • National Astronaut Scholars announced

Last year ASF awarded 52 scholarships to students from 38 different universities across the nation. Astronaut Scholarships are awarded to students in their junior and senior year of college studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics with the intent to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degree. Astronaut Scholars are among the best and brightest minds in STEM who show initiative, creativity, and excellence in their chosen field.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded its first seven scholarships in 1986. Each founding Mercury 7 astronaut sponsored a $1,000 scholarship and they then began to fundraise to support future scholarships. Each astronaut would donate proceeds from their speaking engagements and shared the ASF mission wherever they went to raise awareness of both the mission and the scholarship program.

Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards fifty scholarships valued up to $10,000 to each selected scholar. The ASF scholarship award is just the beginning for our Astronaut Scholars, and their selection is the beginning of a life-long relationship with astronauts, alumni, and great leaders who span academia, technical research, and corporate leadership.

Past Virginia Tech Astronaut Scholars:

2017    Arianna Krinos

2018    Arianna Krinos

2019    Jim Owens

2020   Christine Faunce

Virginia Tech Contact for the Astronaut Scholarship:
Christina McIntyre (cmcintyre@vt.edu), Director of Professional Development, National & International Scholarship.

The English-Speaking Union Scholarship is awarded to one junior per state (in this case, Virginia) for summer study in Great Britain. The English-Speaking Union considers the applicant’s literary and scholastic ability, physical vigor, character and personality. The amount covers the cost of three weeks of summer study and transportation. Campus deadline is in mid-December. The university can nominate one candidate. Finalists are interviewed in Richmond in early February. Contact Christina McIntyre to inquire about application materials. Contact Christina McIntyre to inquire about this year’s application process.

2013    Cassidy Grubbs
2011    Josh Trebach
2005    Erica Butler
2001    Kirsten Davis
1997    Janine Schank
1994    Michelle Krusiec
1992    Valerie Alder

http://www.nationalacademies.org/fellowships/fordpredoc

Ford Foundation Fellowships for Minorities include an annual stipend to the student and an institutional allowance in lieu of tuition and fees. Approximately 50 pre-doctoral fellowships are made for research-based doctoral programs in the behavioral and social sciences, humanities, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, and biological sciences or interdisciplinary programs consisting of two or more eligible disciplines.  The final deadline is usually in early November.

Fulbright Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors and graduate students to pursue a research project in their major field at a university in another country (over 70) during a year abroad. The amount includes round-trip transportation, tuition, living expenses, and frequently an accelerated language course. Of particular consideration are language proficiency and careful selection of the site of study for your specific goals. The national deadline is usually the third week in October. Due to the timing and components of the application, and the specifics of the campus process, students are encouraged to contact Betty Watts in early/mid-Spring semester the year before their application to discuss the application process.

On-line application available March 31:
http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html

Virginia Tech Fulbright Program Advisers: 
Betty Watts | 540-231-7220 | bettyw@vt.edu
526 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg VA 24061

2015      Rachael Kennedy - Turkey
              Amanda Nelson - Germany
              Janani Ravi - Germany
              Alexandra Hyler - Denmark 
              Emma Flemmig - India
              Rachel Kirk - Morocco 

2014      Lindsey Rich - Botswana
              Erin Poor - Indonesia
              Kathryn Fielder - Bangladesh

2013      Daniel Youngstrom - Latvia 

2012      Nicole Faut - India
              Lily Gonzales - Spain

2011      Amanada Daquila - Germany
              Holly Berkley - Malaysia
              Emily Van Houweling - Mozambique

2010      Bonnie Fairbanks - Botswana
              Elizabeth Prisley - Germany

2009      Jessica Lu - Israel

2008      Phillip Chong - Korea

2007      John C. Linford - Germany
              Amanda K. Davis- Mexico
              Thomas R. Reppert - Spain

2006      Michael H. Willemann - Germany

2004      Matthew Cahill - Austria
              Timothy Work - Austira

2003      Erik Herz - Germany

              Michael Zalich - Australia

2000      Matthew Chappell - Sweden

1999      Mark Fina - Finland

1997      John Michael Schmidt - United Kingdom
              Sarah Greene - Nicaragua

1995      Daniel Stuver - Netherlands
              Kevin Simon - France
              Dennis Rodgers - France
              Eric Flint - Germany


1994      Daniel Lucero - France

1993      Siri Matthews - France

1989      Joseph Guthrie - New Zealand

http://www.gates.scholarships.cam.ac.uk

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships provide the full cost of studying in Cambridge for one, two, three or in certain exceptional circumstances, four years. The Trust seeks students of exceptional academic achievement and scholarly promise. Students need to demonstrate their ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline.  Students apply directly to Cambridge. Their deadline is usually November 1. 

http://www.act.org/goldwater

Goldwater Scholarships award up to $7,500 per year for tuition, fees, room, board, and books for the junior/senior years to 300 students planning graduate work and a career in science, mathematics, or engineering. The Goldwater Foundation considers scholastic record, research experience, potential in graduate school, and commitment to a research career. The campus deadline is usually before the Thanksgiving break. Contact Christina McIntyre for campus application details.

2012     Winston Becker

2011     Casey Baker 

2010     Ryan Shaw
             Brittany Gianetti

2009     Ashley Morgenstern

2008     Kevin D. Finelli
             Thao P. Do
             David Tatum

2007     Rebecca K. Sinnott

2006     Brian J. Skinner

2005     David W. Erickson
             Sarah E. Koss

2004     Dustin Hite
             Aaron Kaluszka

2003     Heather C. Shears
             Ashley A. White

2002     Erik Herz
             Nicole Mammerella

2001     Lori D. Hill
             Jerome T. Mettetal
             Danielle F. Overall
             Beth A. Reid

1999     Anna Leung

1998     Jennifer L. Craft
             Jean A. Hager
            Monica Kerr

1997    Michael L. Parks
            Leah B. Shaw

1996    Angela Osbourne
            Karen S. Potanka
            John Michael Schmidt

1995    Mark Embree
            Andrew Landahl

1994    Brandon D. Fallon
            William L. Lee

1993    Christopher Chang
            Kristie Seymore
            Mark Zylka

http://www.jamesmadison.com

James Madison Fellowships provide $24,000 to support two years of graduate study that lead to a Master’s degree in history, political science or related social studies. The applicants must agree to teach secondary school for at least one year for each year of financial assistance. The final deadline is usually early March.

http://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Marshall Scholarships allot approximately $40,000 per year (tuition, fees, room board, transportation, books) to 40 seniors for two years of graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom. Marshall Scholars have a distinguished academic record, strong leadership, significant community service, and a focused program of study for graduate school. The campus deadline is early September. The national deadline is very early October. Due to the timing and components of the application, and the specifics of the campus process, students are encouraged to contact Christina McIntyre in early/mid-Spring semester of their Junior year to discuss the application process.

2005     Ashley A. White
2000     Sarah S. Airey
1999     Stacey D. Smith
1980     Anya McGuirk

http://www.us-irelandalliance.org

George J. Mitchell Scholarships provide one year of study at any university in Ireland in the student’s chosen field. The Mitchell Scholarship was established to educate future American leaders about the island of Ireland. The campus deadline is early September. The national deadline is early October.

Overview

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) helps ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science and engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions.

Fellows benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution), opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education they choose.

NSF Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation's technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large.

Eligibility

  • Current undergraduate senior applying for graduate study for the following year or a first or second year graduate student
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
  • Intend to pursue a research-based Master's or Ph.D. program in a GRFP-supported field
  • Be enrolled in an eligible program at an accredited United States graduate institution, with a US campus, by the following fall
  • Have completed no more than twelve months of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent) as of August 1, 2016
  • Effective as of the 2017 competition (Fall 2016 deadlines), graduate students are limited to only one application to the GRFP, submitted either in the first year or in the second year of graduate school. An exception is provided for first-year graduate students who applied in Fall 2015 to the 2016 GRFP competition; these individuals may apply as second year graduate students in Fall 2016 to the 2017 GRFP competition, if they are otherwise eligible

University Endorsement Process? No

Deadlines vary by field of study: mid-October to early November. Check the webpage for specific deadline for your application.

Candidates are encouraged to work with a faculty mentor and begin the application in early July or August to allow time to develop the application materials. Candidates are encourage to contact Christina McIntyre for additional guidance. 

 

NSF GRF webpage: https://www.nsfgrfp.org/

2009     Bradley Shapiro
             Sherri Cook
             John Woods
             Claire VerHulst
             Shiv D. Kale
             Anne-Marie Claire Hodge
             Alek Chalres Duerksen
             Cara Field Buchanan
             Nakiesha Danielle Bridgers

2008     Jonathan G. Ryan
             Ricardo Quintana-Castillo
             Brian Gerber

2007     Kelley C. Stewart
             Ashley R. Robinson
             Sarah A. Orlofske
             Brian D. Lutz
             Cami M. Johnson
             Laura M. Hamm
             Irene M. Berry
             Laura L. Jones
             Thomas R. Reppert
             Sarah M. Huffer
             Brian J. Skinner
             Douglas F. Call
             Rachel C. Wagner

2006     Ashley A. White
             Amanda E. Strickhouse
             Carmen Catacora
             Katherine Dulaney
             Dustin Hite
             Aaron S. Kaluszka
             Margaret Kurdziolek

2005     Andrian Harpold
             Matthew E. Lynch
             Zahra Pakdel
             Noelani A. Thompson
             Alica M. Williams
             Jeffrey Young

2004     Beverly Beasley
             Andrew Graham
             Dustin Hite
             Autumn-Lynn Harrison
             Adam Hendricks
             Nicole Mammarella
             Anthony Narkawica
             Christophre Saldana
             Emily Sarver

2003     Jerome T. Mettetal
             David Neal
             Beth Reid
             Eric Ruggerio
             Krista Rule
             Michael Updike
             Michael Zwolak

2002     Anna Marie Davis
             Wesley D. Marner
             Christopher A. Maxey
             Brian D. Sutton

2001     John F. Berry
             Brian T. Gold
             Christopher G. Stoltz

2000     James A. Fogarty
             Jana L. Schwartz

1999     Jennifer Craft
             Marcia Ethridge
             Caitlin Kelleher
             Tanya Mueller
             Sandra Robinson
             Amy Rohrbaugh
             Leah B. Shaw

1998     Ludwig C. Hager
             Nicholas A. Loehr
             Lale G. Lovell

1997     Heidi L. Burch
             Angel O. Duty
             Gretchen M. Ehrenkaufer
             Brooks Moses
             Thomas H. Nutbrown
             Neal Patwari
             Carol A. Steichen

1996     Karl M. Martin
             Julie E. McCormick
             Colin L. Reasoner

1995     Daneil C. Hammerand
             Kristie L. Seymore

1994     Jennifer E. Brooks
             Brian A. Corn
             Matthew C. Elder
             David E. Foster
             Aaron D. Golub
             Diane Livingston
             Bruce B. Lowekamp
             Walter R. O'Connell Jr.

1993     Jennifer M. Deang
             Elizabeth Faye
             Michael C. Montgomery
             Angela L. Wesner

Rhodes Scholarships provide support for tuition, fees, room, board, transportation, books to 32 seniors for two years of graduate study at Oxford University. The Rhodes Foundation looks for seniors with very strong academic records, integrity of character, physical vigor, demonstrated leadership, and extensive public service. Alumni can also apply but must not have reached the age of 24 by October 1 of the application year. Applicants selected to be endorsed by the University will prepare for the national application. For more information about the Rhodes scholarship go to: http://www.rhodesscholar.org. Due to the timing and components of the application, and the specifics of the campus process, students are encouraged to contact Christina McIntyre in early/mid-Spring semester of their Junior year to discuss the application process.

1996     Mark Embree
1963     William W. Lewis

Overview 

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship recognizes college juniors for demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to public service. The scholarship, in the amount of $30,000, applies towards the scholar’s graduate education. The purpose of the Truman scholarship is to identify people with potential to become leaders and to provide them the support to help them realize their aspirations.

Eligibility

  • Full-time student pursuing a bachelor's degree with junior-level academic standing
  • Be in the top quarter of your school’s academic ranking
  • U.S. citizen (or a U.S. national) or expect to receive citizenship by the date the Scholarship will be awarded
  • Candidates must have career goals that seek to serve society. The Truman foundation is looking for motivated candidates that will be agents of change in the future. Candidates should have plans to seek advanced graduate or professional study.
  • Strong record of engagement in community service and extracurricular engagement

University Endorsement Process? Yes. 

To gain access to the application email Christina McIntyre. Include in the email an up-to-date resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to assist in the registration process. There are a limited number of nomination spots and a Virginia Tech Truman Committee will interview applicants to determine endorsement of candidates.

Virginia Tech campus deadline: December 1

Campus Interviews: Reading Day

Candidates are encouraged to meet early in the fall semester with Christina McIntyre to discuss the application process. The application materials need time to develop and starting early is essential.

Truman Foundation Website: http://www.truman.gov

2009     Jennifer Lamb
2002     Michael Gerusa
1992     Phallisha Newsome-Horton

Overview

The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. Additionally, the Foundation seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in Native American health care and tribal public policy. In addition to financial funding up to $7,000 for academic expenses, the scholarship provides access to the Udall Alumni network and a four-day scholar orientation in Tucson, AZ.

Eligibility

  • Be a US citizen, US national, or US permanent resident
  • Be a sophomore or junior-level student pursuing full-time study towards a bachelor’s or associate’s degree during the academic year of application
  • Have a college grade-point average of at least a “B” or the equivalent

Scholarships are offered to students in one of the following categories: 

  • Tribal Policy: For American Indians and Alaska Natives working on an array of policy issues in Indian country
  • Native Health Care: For American Indian and Alaska Natives pursuing health-related careers 
  • Environment: For undergraduates interested in conservation and environmental issues

University Endorsement Process? Yes. 

To gain access to the application email Christina McIntyre. Include in the email an up-to-date resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to assist in the registration process. There are a limited number of nomination spots and a Virginia Tech Udall Committee will determine endorsements of candidates based on the materials submitted by the campus deadline.

Virginia Tech campus deadline: February 15

Candidates are encouraged to meet in the fall with Christina McIntyre to discuss the application process. The application materials need time to develop and starting early is essential. 

 

Udall Foundation Website: http://udall.gov/OurPrograms/Scholarship/Scholarship.aspx

2010     Kara Dodson

2007     Erin A. Rooney

2006     Sherri M. Cook

2004     Hilary Camblos

2000     Krista Jacbosen
             Brian Sweet

1999     Shane J. Moses

1998     Stacey D. Smith
             Karen Hix

1997     Elizabeth Embree

1996     John Michael Schmidt
             Walter R. O'Connel

1993     Jennifer M. Deang
             Elizabeth Faye
             Michael C. Montgomery
             Angel L. Wesner

QUESTIONS? LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIP OR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDANCE?

Our Director of Professional Development, National & International Scholarships Christina McIntyre offers weekly office hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern)
  • JOIN ONLINE HERE!