Geoscience IDEA Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Association for Women Geoscientists

Overview
The Geoscience Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Accessibility (IDEA) Scholarship supports women from historically underserved or marginalized communities who are pursuing undergraduate study and careers in the Earth sciences/geosciences. Research indicates that the Earth sciences are among the least diverse fields in STEM; this scholarship seeks to increase representation and strengthen diversity in the next generation of geoscientists.

What we mean by “Geoscience”
For the purpose of this award, geoscience includes academic study in areas such as: Geology, Geochemistry, Geodynamics, Geophysics, Economic/Mining Geology and Energy Resources, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geology, Geoarchaeology, Geobiology, Geoscience Education, Geoinformatics, Historical Geology, Hydrogeology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Planetary Geology, Petrology, Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology, Structural Geology/Seismology, Stratigraphy, Soil and Soil Development Processes, and Volcanology. Related disciplines such as Oceanography, Meteorology, and Climatology may also qualify. This scholarship does not fund majors outside the Earth/Geosciences.

Awards
- Three upper-division undergraduate recipients will receive $2,500 each.
- One lower-division undergraduate recipient will receive $500.
- Each awardee also receives a one-year sponsored student membership in the Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG). If desired, recipients may be paired with AWG mentors to receive guidance on career planning, academic decisions, and professional development.

Applicants who are not chosen for a monetary award may still be granted a one-year sponsored AWG student membership and may request mentor matching.

Eligibility
Applicants must:
1. Identify as women.
2. Be enrolled as an undergraduate student (or will be an undergraduate in the upcoming academic year).
3. Identify with one or more historically marginalized or underserved groups (examples include, but are not limited to: Asian/Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Black/African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Latin/Hispanic).
4. Be enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States.
5. Have declared an Earth Science or Geoscience major (see qualifying fields above). Note: students in STEM majors outside the Earth/Geosciences are not eligible.

High school seniors named as recipients: scholarship funds will be released only after the Scholarship Committee receives proof of enrollment at the accredited college or university you will attend (examples: an advisor letter, official/registered course schedule, or other institutional documentation).

Reapplying and prior recipients
Previous applicants may reapply while they remain eligible. Prior awardees may apply for renewal but must include an update on academic progress and continued financial need. No special preference is given to earlier applicants or past recipients.

Application requirements and deadline
All application materials must be received by June 30 of the award year. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Required items:
- Completed and signed online Geoscience IDEA Scholarship application.
- Transcript(s) from your current institution (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or staff at the institution you attend at the time of application. Acceptable recommenders include (but are not limited to) a high school counselor, primary or academic advisor, geoscience/earth science instructor, or a general science faculty member. Please allow recommenders sufficient time to submit their letters by the deadline.
- If you are entering college as a freshman and the institution does not allow major declaration until later, include a signed letter from an academic advisor stating that you intend to major in the geosciences/earth sciences.

Renewal applications must include the same documentation as above plus a summary of recent academic progress in the geoscience major. Continued funding depends on demonstrated academic progress and financial need and will be reviewed individually.

Notification and award distribution
Applicants chosen for awards will be notified in August. Scholarship funds will be distributed in early fall to align with the start of the academic year.

Responsibility and contact
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials arrive by the deadline. Questions may be directed by email to IDEAscholarship@awg.org.