Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program

Established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater through the operation of an education scholarship program, financed by a permanent trust fund endowment. By providing scholarships to

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program supports the development of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who will help advance the economic vitality and national security of the United States. Established by Congress in 1986, the program provides competitive, merit-based scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and a clear commitment to careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The program serves full-time undergraduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents, and who intend to pursue research-focused careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Eligible students are typically sophomores or juniors at the time of award and are nominated by their academic institutions through a designated campus representative. What makes the Goldwater Scholarship unique is its singular focus on identifying and supporting students early in their academic careers who show exceptional promise as future researchers. In addition to providing financial assistance to help offset the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, the program places strong emphasis on research experience, faculty mentorship, and long-term career potential in STEM fields. Goldwater Scholars join a distinguished national network of alumni who have gone on to earn doctoral degrees, lead cutting-edge research, and contribute significantly to scientific and technological innovation in the United States.

Undergraduate sophomore and junior level students, at two and four year U.S. accredited colleges and universities, must be nominated by the institution's Goldwater Campus Representative.

U.S. citizens or nationals, permanent residents (must provide additional documentation), college sophomores and juniors will benefit.

Assistance is intended solely for the use of scholars.

Assistance is intended solely for the use of scholars.

To be eligible to receive payments, a Goldwater Scholar must submit in writing: (1) An acceptance of the Scholarship award, (2) a direct deposit form for electronic payment and (3) at the beginning of each academic year one payment request form outlining the costs of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and any other Scholarships the student is receiving for that academic year. This form must be certified by a financial aid official and an academic official certifying that the student is in good academic standing. Payments via treasury EFT will be made to the Scholar's account in the amount for which the Scholar qualifies on the payment request, not to exceed $7,500 per academic year.

Each nominee will be evaluated by an independent review panel of academicians and college administrators from colleges and universities throughout the United States. In awarding Scholarships, the Foundation's Board of Trustees will consider the nominee's field of study and career objectives and the extent to which that individual has the commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to their chosen field of study. It is expected that students selected as Scholars will pursue advanced degrees. Final selection of candidates is recommended by the independent review panel. The Board of Trustees will name 250-500 Goldwater Scholars annually.

In February of each year, scholarship nominees are evaluated by an Independent Review Panel and ranked by relative merit. In March of each year, the Review Panel's results are presented to the Board of Trustees. On the last Friday of March of each year, the Goldwater Board of Trustees announces the winners of the Goldwater Scholarships for the forthcoming academic year.

It is the intent of the Foundation to support sophomore Scholars for a maximum of 2 academic years (4 semesters) and junior Scholars for a maximum of 1 academic year (2 semesters). Renewal for sophomore awards will be in accordance with the regulations established by the Foundation's Board of Trustees and will be subject to an annual review by an authorized official of the institution. The Scholar must be a full-time student and taking a course of study, training, or other educational activities to prepare for a research career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. The Scholar must not be engaged in gainful employment that interferes with the Scholar's studies. The Scholar must be in good academic standing. The Scholar may seek postponement of their award because of ill health or other mitigating circumstances, upon application to the President.