University Park, Pa. -- Penn State is seeking two sophomore or junior undergraduate students to nominate for the Astronaut and Mercury Seven Scholarships for the 2004-2005 academic year.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to encouragement of outstanding young Americans to pursue careers in science and engineering, especially in fields with strong research and applied components. Just as they were pioneers in space, the Mercury Seven Founders wish to encourage and nurture potential pioneers in all aspects of science and technology. Mercury Seven astronauts have been joined in their endeavor by the Gemini, Apollo, Soyuz and Shuttle astronauts to make the scholarship a true legacy of America's space pioneers.
Penn State is one of only seventeen universities invited to nominate scholars for this prestigious award because of the University's history of strong undergraduate programs, which produce significant numbers of professional scientists, academic scientists and researchers, as well as its superior research laboratories and libraries.
Students may not apply directly for an Astronaut Scholarship Foundation award. Rather, they must apply first for nomination. From the pool of those who apply for consideration, two nominees will be selected at the discretion of the campus selection committee. All nominees must be American citizens.
For 2004-2005, the amount provided for a single renewable scholarship is $10,000.
To apply for nomination, deliver the following to the Undergraduate Fellowships Office in 212 Boucke by the campus deadline of 5 p.m. on March 19:
* A one-page, 12-point-type, statement of personal interests, activities, hobbies and goals
* Résumé or curriculum vitae
* Two strong letters of recommendation from faculty
* Unofficial transcript
For further information, please contact the Undergraduate Fellowships office at 814-863-8199 or email: undergraduatefellowships@psu.edu