Assistance for Science Majors
Several scholarships and grants are available for science students with special qualifications. Students interested in pursuing a degree in science may apply for grants such as the National SMART Grant or various scholarships to do research abroad or become teachers in their fields.
National SMART Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) awards $4,000 per academic year to students enrolled at least part-time in majors such as physical, life or computer science, mathematics, technology or engineering. To be eligible, you must be an American citizen or eligible noncitizen, be a third or fourth year undergraduate student and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3 on a scale of 4. You must be eligible for a Pell grant the same year you apply for the SMART grant and be registered in at least one course required for your major.
Developing Global Scientists & Engineers
The United States government supports the education of globally-engaged scientists and engineers. It does this through several programs that provide support for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. The International Research Experience for Students (IRES) supports undergraduate and graduate research abroad. The Doctoral Dissertation Enhancement Projects (DDEP) supports one doctoral student's dissertation abroad and the Office of International Scientists and Engineering supports other targeted research abroad through organizations such as the Pan-American Advanced Studies Institutes. There is no deadline for the DDEP application, but as of 2010, the deadline for the IRES application is September 15.
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is for science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors who would like to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. This program provides institutions of higher education with funds to support scholarships and other expenses for these candidates. For example, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Teaching Fellowship/Master Teaching Fellowship Track provides salary supplements, academic courses and professional development for professionals who enroll in a master's degree program that leads to teacher certification.
Tags: research abroad, National Science, National SMART, National SMART Grant, Noyce Teacher, Noyce Teacher Scholarship, Robert Noyce