Geoscience IDEA Scholarship

The Geoscience Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Accessibility (IDEA) Scholarship encourages women from underserved or marginalized communities to pursue an education and career in the Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Many research studies show the Earth Sciences are the least diverse community in all STEM fields. This Scholarship aims to counteract this and enhance diversity within the future Geoscience workforce.

NOTE: Geoscience, herein, is defined as- the academic or educational study of Geology, Geochemistry, Geodynamics, Geophysics, Economic/Mining Geology and Energy Resources, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geology, Geoarchaeology, Geobiology, Geoscience Education/EducatorGeoinformatics, Historical Geology, Hydrogeology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Planetary Geology, Petrology, Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology, Structural Geology/Seismology, Stratigraphy, Soil and Soil Development Processes, or Volcanology. Other areas of study may include Oceanography, Meteorology, and/or Climatology.

The IDEA Scholarship provides three upper-division undergraduate students an award of $2500 each and one lower-division undergraduate student an award of $500. It also includes a one-year, sponsored, AWG student membership. If desired, each recipient can be matched with AWG mentors to enhance their chosen career path. Students will have the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with their mentors, contacting them to discuss ideas, obtain advice or guidance for a variety of Geoscience career paths.

Applicants who are not selected for the award may still be selected to receive a one-year sponsored AWG student membership, and may still request to be matched with an AWG mentor.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be women who:

1. Will be an undergraduate-level student in the upcoming school year.

2. Identify in one or more historically marginalized or underserved communities, including but not limited to: Asian/Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Black/African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Latin/Hispanic.

3. Be enrolled in an accredited College or University in the United States.

4. Have declared Earth Science or Geoscience as a major of study. (NOTE: This scholarship does not support students in STEM programs outside of the Earth Sciences. Please see the description above for more information on qualifying majors.)

High school seniors: If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, the funds will not be released until the Scholarship Committee receives proof of your enrollment at your chosen accredited institution as an incoming Freshman. This may be in the form of a letter from an academic advisor, a registered course schedule, or other form of proof from the Institution.

Past applicants of the Geoscience IDEA Scholarship may reapply during each of their eligible, educational years. For prior recipients, the continued need for support and an update on academic progress must be addressed in the current application year. Preference is not given to those who have previously applied or received an award.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Complete application materials, listed below, MUST BE received by June 30 each award year to be considered:

• Sign and complete the online Geoscience IDEA Scholarship Application.
• Transcripts from your current institution. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty of staff members at the institution you are attending at the time of application. This can include one from a high school counselor, your primary advisor, an academic advisor, a Geoscience professor or Earth Science instructor, or a general science instructor. Please allow enough time for the recommender to complete the Letter of Recommendation by the submission date.
• If you are entering as a freshman and your institution will not allow you to declare a major until your sophomore year, you must also submit a letter signed by your academic advisor which states that you plan to major in the geosciences/earth sciences.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Renewal applications must include all of the above criteria and must discuss updates in your academic progress in the geoscience major. Continuing support is contingent upon a student’s academic progress and financial need, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Winner(s) will be notified in August and the award(s) will be distributed in early fall, to coincide with the beginning of the school year.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all application materials are submitted by the deadline. Questions should be sent by email to IDEAscholarship@awg.org.