San Diego
Chapter

SCHOLAR AWARDS

WHICH SCHOOLS ARE SUPPORTED BY THE SAN DIEGO CHAPTER?

Students at Kellogg School of Science and Technology at The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego State University;  University of California, San Diego, including Scripps Institution of Oceanography; and Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science at the University of San Diego receive scholar award and fellowship support.

In order to participate in the ARCS Foundation scholar award program, ARCS Foundation Recipient Schools undergo a comprehensive evaluation that considers the strength of the degree programs, size and quality of the faculty, number of published scientific articles, library facilities, test scores, research grants from nationally recognized institutions, and faculty membership in such professional organizations as the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and The Institute of Medicine.

San Diego ARCS Foundation Scholars pursue Master's and doctoral degrees in a wide range of subjects involving leading-edge technologies in science and engineering.  Departments within the ARCS Foundation Recipient Schools eligible to sponsor ARCS Foundation Scholars include astronomy, biochemistry, botany, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, ecology, engineering, genetics, marine biology, mathematics, medicine, oceanography, physics, veterinary medicine, and zoology.

HOW IS THE SUPPORT AWARDED?

In order to receive an ARCS Foundation scholar award, students are recommended by deans and department chairmen at the universities. Students may not apply directly to the ARCS Foundation, Inc. Representatives at ARCS Foundation Recipient Schools are familiar with ARCS Foundation guidelines and apply these requirements when making their recommendations.

The Chapter follows these guidelines in making scholar award and fellowship grants:

  An ARCS Foundation Scholar must be a citizen of the United States.

  An ARCS Foundation Scholar must have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

  An ARCS Foundation Scholar must be enrolled as a full-time student specializing in natural sciences, engineering, or medicine.

  All scholar awards are based on merit.  When the merits of candidates appear equal, then need is a consideration.

  ARCS Foundation Scholars are selected without regard to race, gender, or religion.

Since the Chapter's inception in 1985, 820 ARCS Foundation scholar awards have totaled $6,427,000.

Scholar award funds are specified for each student and directly administered by the student's school. For academic year 2010-2011, $355,000 will be awarded to 48 of America's best and brightest students.