A Scholarship Search for Scientific Minds
While those with scientific minds may map out an excellent method of locating scholarship funds for their college careers, they may not realize how many opportunities actually exist for special funding to science majors of all kinds.
A traditional scholarship search for a student of science would begin with their preferred field of study – for example, a student may apply for a scholarship from a national astronomical group or club. This is an excellent method of obtaining financial support, but the same student could also think a bit more creatively and “reach for the stars” by looking to the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) who is in the midst of developing the Science and Technology Scholarship Program, which would provide a “scholarship for service” opportunity to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in one of the sciences – including engineering, mathematics, computer science and physical or life sciences.
While this will be an extraordinarily competitive scholarship program it does serve to illustrate the diversity of the financial opportunities available to a student doing a scholarship search for their scientific pursuits. It also demonstrates the current shortage of scientific and mathematical minds available to the world’s work force. This too is something to use in a scholarship search by a science major.
By thinking about corporations and industries that are suffering from a lack of adequately educated and trained labor, a student may be able to find a good way of getting college money, and the potential for employment following their studies. For example, many unusual industries or even incredibly busy scientific organizations will make a “scholarship for service” or loan forgiveness program available to a student who accepts financial support in exchange for a period of employment once the college degree has been earned. This is taking place in everything from the fields of engineering, pharmaceuticals to psychology and medical sciences.
Finally there are some truly unique, even bizarre, opportunities for students seeking scholarship funds for their scientific training. A scholarship search in a specific industry or field of interest would be the only method of discovering these opportunities, so a student is greatly encouraged to be extremely specific when performing a search.
The following scholarships are currently listed in many publications and appear on numerous web searches: Mycological Society of America provides funding to students studying fungus, molds and spores; the LaFontaine Aquatic Entomology Award is for students researching aquatic insects; for ghost searchers and paranormal enthusiasts the Eileen J. Garrett scholarship provides awards to those who are enrolled in a study of parapsychology; and the American Society of Enology and Viticulture gives educational financial support to those who study the art and business of wine making.