Scholarships are great opportunities for students to live their academic dream. Interestingly, Goldwater Scholarship is no different. This particular scholarship is really worthwhile. In this article, get ready to read about what it takes to get this scholarship.
When was the Goldwater Scholarship Established?
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress. And this was done in 1986. The aim was to serve as a living memorial to honour the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater.
Barry Goldwater served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman. This includes 30 years in the U.S. Senate.
The Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields. And this is by providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in:
- The natural sciences.
- Mathematics and engineering,
Goldwater Scholarship Interesting Historical Facts
Over its 30-year history, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to thousands of undergraduates. And many of whom have gone on to win other prestigious awards like:
- The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship.
- Rhodes scholarship.
- Churchill Scholarship.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship.
The above supports the Scholars’ graduate school work. Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that is helping:
- Defend the Nation.
- Finding cures for catastrophic diseases.
- And teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
About Goldwater Scholarship
The scholarship is the most prestigious national undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. Also, it is awarded annually to about 300 college sophomores and juniors.
The Goldwater scholarship is awarded based on merit. And the actual amount given is based on financial need, up to a maximum of $7,500 per academic year.
Additionally, about 150 exceptional applicants not awarded the Scholarship has been recognized with official Honorable Mentions.
Colleges and universities are allowed to nominate only four of their undergraduate students per year to receive the final scholarship. Thus making it a premier award in the US conferred upon undergraduates studying the sciences.
Through March 2006, Princeton University had the most Goldwater Scholars with 64. This is followed by Harvard University with (60). And is followed by Duke University (58). Also, it was followed by Kansas State University (57). And then it is followed by the University of Chicago (53).
What the Goldwater Education Foundation Considers
In awarding Goldwater scholarships, the Foundation considers the:
- Field of study.
- Career objectives.
- Commitment and potential for a significant professional contribution.
This is judged by letters of reference, student essays, and prior research experience. The number of scholarships per region depends on the number and qualifications of the nominees for that region.
Also, the regions are defined as each of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and, considered as a single entity, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
New Chair of Foundation Announced
Peggy Goldwater Clay’s stepped down as the Chair of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation Board of Trustees. A member of the Board since 1995, Ms Clay served as Chair for 19 years.
Under her leadership, the board successfully partnered with the Department of Defense National Defense Education Programs to increase the number of awards offered annually and implement new programs promoting equity and inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Ms Clay plans to remain an active member of the Board. Dr John Yopp will be the new Chair. He has been a member of the Board since 2011. He brings many years of experience gained from his previous roles as Vice Chair and the Chair of the Audit Committee.
2022 Goldwater Scholars and Goldwater Scholarship Announced
As the result of an ongoing partnership with the Department of Defense National Defense Education Programs (NDEP), it is announced that the Trustees of the Goldwater Board have again been able to increase the number of Goldwater scholarships.
This is for the scholarships it is awarding for the 2022 -2023 academic year. There is a slot for 417 college students from across the United States.
“The Department of Defense’s continued partnership with the Goldwater Foundation ensures we are supporting the development of scientific talent essential to maintaining our Nation’s competitive advantage,” said Dr Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Acting Deputy Director of Research, Technology and Laboratories
Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati also oversees the NDEP program. The 2022 Goldwater Scholarship and awards, bring the number of scholarships awarded since 1989 by the Goldwater Foundation to 9870.
2022 Goldwater Scholarship and Award Estimation
From an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, note. 1242 natural science, engineering and mathematics students were nominated by 433 academic institutions. The aim is to compete for the 2022 Goldwater scholarships.
Of students who reported, note:
- 175 of the Scholars are men.
- 234 are women.
- Also, virtually all intend to obtain a PhD as their highest degree objective.
Also, forty-five Scholars are mathematics and computer science, majors. And 308 are majoring in the natural sciences. Additionally, 64 are majoring in engineering.
Many Scholars have published their research in leading professional journals. And have presented their work at professional society conferences.
Goldwater Scholarship Important Dates
FIRST TUESDAY IN SEPTEMBER: Online Application Opens
EARLY SEPTEMBER TO LATE JANUARY: Individual internal campus deadlines
LAST FRIDAY IN JANUARY: Nomination deadline (5:00 PM CT)
LATE FEBRUARY: Nomination packets reviewed
MID-MARCH: Board of Trustees vote on Scholars/Honorable Mentions
LAST FRIDAY IN MARCH: Scholars/Honorable Mentions Announced (11:00 AM Central Time).
Goldwater Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for nomination for Goldwater Scholarship, a student must:
- Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education.
- Have a college grade-point average of at least “B” (or the equivalent) and be in the upper fourth of their class.
- Also, be a United States citizen, a permanent resident, or, in the case of nominees from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, a United States national.
Benefits of Goldwater Scholarship
Goldwater Scholarship offers up to $7,500 a year. This is provided to help cover costs associated with:
- Tuition.
- Mandatory fees.
- Books, room and board.
A sophomore who receives a Goldwater Scholarship will receive up to $7,500 in each of their junior and senior years. And a junior who receives a Goldwater Scholarship will receive up to $7,500 in their senior year.
Goldwater Scholarship Deadlines
Applications Due: Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 11:59 pm
Selection Committee Meeting: Early to mid-December
National Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2023 at 5:00pm CT (receipt)
However, for more information on how to apply, please CLICK HERE
