Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by the United States Congress in 1986 in honor of former United States Senator and 1964 presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation seeks to ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields.

The scholarship—one of the most prestigious national undergraduate scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics—is awarded annually to about 500 college sophomores and juniors out of approximately 1,300 nominees. The 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. In addition, from 2001 to 2018, about 50 exceptional applicants not awarded the Scholarship have been recognized with official Honorable Mentions each year.

Colleges and universities may nominate up to four undergraduate students per year for consideration. A 5th student can be nominated if one or more of the nominees is a transfer student or a veteran. A 6th student can be nominated if a transfer student and a veteran are nominated. Most applicants are seeking PhDs. Those who also wish to practice medicine must demonstrate a clear commitment to research.

In awarding 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. The regions are defined as each of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and any other territory or possession of the United States; or a permanent resident.