Goldwater Scholarships
Background
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually.
General Eligibility
Please see the program website for specific eligibility requirements.
Accredited 2- and 4-year academic institutions that have identified a Goldwater Campus Representative with the Foundation may nominate up to four students annually (up to five if one is a transfer student). No direct student applications or nominations by campuses without a Goldwater Campus Representative will be considered.
- Class year: Full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution of higher education during the application year.
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen from the 50 states or the District of Columbia or a permanent resident. A permanent resident nominated for the scholarship must include a letter stating his/her intent to become a U.S. citizen. A photocopy of the nominee’s Permanent Resident Card, also known as the Alien Registration Card or Green Card, must also be submitted.
- GPA: 3.0 minimum
Other eligibility guidelines:
- Must intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering. Refer to the Goldwater Foundation’s list of the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics fields and sub-fields used to determine eligibility.
The characteristics the Foundation seeks in a Goldwater Scholar include:
- Strong commitment to a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering,
- Effective display of intellectual intensity in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, and
- Potential for a significant future contribution to research in his/her chosen field.
Application Process
To be eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship, the applicant must be nominated by Davidson College. Davidson Goldwater candidates must apply to Davidson first to be considered for nomination, followed by the official Goldwater process if nominated. Davidson will select up to four students to be nominated. The Goldwater Foundation will not consider direct student applications.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Davidson’s Goldwater Campus Representative, Gaylena Merritt, Assistant Director for Fellowships and Scholarships, as soon as possible to discuss their candidacy.
Learn More
For more information, contact the Fellowships and Scholarships Program at gradfellowships@davidson.edu, or schedule a Fellowships & Scholarships advising appointment with Gaylena Merritt, Assistant Director for Fellowships & Scholarships, through Handshake (login required).
Recent Davidson Goldwater Scholars
2019 - Hossein Bakshandeh, Katie Barlis, Ellie Mackintosh
2016 - Dennis Akrobetu
2015 - Annalee Tutterow, Jenni S. Isaac
2014 - Chris Peek, Emma Domingoes (Honorable Mention)
2013 - Justin Strickland, Eric Sawyer
2010 - Matt DiNiear, Erin Feeney
2009 - Natasha Meyer, Pallavi Penumetcha
2008 - Sarah Rhodes
2007 - Kelli Carrol, Adam Topaz
2006 - Emma Garren, James Sanchez
2005 - Barratt Park
2003 - Sarah Robison
2001 - Stephanie Corchesne
2000 - James Herbert
1995 - Kelly M.Constantine, Valerie W. Leesch