Academics

Air Force ROTC offering new scholarship for rising seniors in STEM fields

Eligible Penn State students can apply and earn a one-year tuition award

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Rising seniors majoring in an approved STEM field at Penn State now have the opportunity to earn a one-year Express Scholarship from the Air Force ROTC and join a long and proud tradition in one of the highest-performing ROTC programs in the nation.

The scholarship covers the full cost of Penn State tuition for one year and includes a monthly stipend. It is tied to the Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2018 One-Year Commissioning Program, which includes a four-year service commitment. Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, cadets are eligible to serve their country as commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force.

The Express Scholarship is expected to be a limited opportunity offered only during the 2017-18 school year, and was created in response to the U.S. Air Force’s anticipated increased manning needs starting in 2018. The one-year program will complement the traditional three- and four-year Air Force ROTC program.

This opportunity is available to those who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Participation in a qualifying STEM major (for more information on accepted majors, see the Air Force ROTC website)
  • Expected graduation date before Sept. 30, 2018
  • Completion of two semesters as a full-time student (pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree)
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 (term and cumulative)
  • Passing fitness and medical standards
  • Good character

Those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree can participate as master’s candidates and earn tuition assistance to aid in degree completion after entering active duty. The scholarship will also cover online courses.

To begin the process, interested students should contact Beth Neumann at bcn3@psu.edu to enroll in Air Force (AIR) 451 for the fall 2017 semester and fill out Form 20 and Form 28 found on the Penn State Air Force ROTC website. In addition, students should contact Lt. James Trexler, Penn State Air Force ROTC, at 814-867-3273 or jmt381@psu.edu to discuss additional details.

Those interested in more information on the Express Scholarship should also contact Trexler or visit the Air Force ROTC office in 109 Wagner Building.

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.

Last Updated May 3, 2017