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.
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
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!