Scholarships and Awards
Scholarships and Awards
The RIT College of Science is dedicated to offering scholarships and awards to support our students in their journey towards success.
College of Science
The following scholarships and awards are available to students in the College of Science. Eligibility for each award varies. Review the following information to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available.
Have questions about a specific award? Reach out to the department overseeing the award or contact us and we will direct your inquiry to the right person.
About this Award
The Black Awareness Coordinating Committee (BACC) Summer Research Fund was established in 2017 to provide funding to RIT students enrolled in a program within the College of Science, with an emphasis on encouraging African-American students to pursue research. Funding will be used for applicants who wish to conduct summer research with an RIT College of Science professor, present research at conferences, to include conference registration fee(s), travel, lodging, and meals.
Eligibility Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Full-time enrollment in a College of Science program as a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student.
- Interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate education (which includes a masters or terminal degree).
- Demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
About this Award
Established in September 2004, the College of Science Alumni Endowed Academic Scholarship provides academic scholarships annually to students enrolled full-time in RIT's College of Science who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a graduate or undergraduate student enrolled full-time in RIT's College of Science.
- Must have at least one year of enrollment remaining.
- Must demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities.
- Must be a student in good academic standing.
- Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
How to Apply
Call for applications are emailed to students in February. Student must complete a Qualtrics application that includes:
- A resume.
- An essay of no more than 500 words that details why you feel you are qualified, how your leadership involvement has enhanced your personal development, what skills you've gained, and what contributions you've made to the RIT community.
- A support letter from one faculty member.
Important Dates
- Call for Applications emailed to all students: Typically mid-February
- Deadline for Applications: Typically mid-March
- Award Winners Announced: Typically end of April
About this Award
Established in 2015, the Emerson Endowed Fellowship is intended to fund competitive awards for undergraduate researchers in the College of Science, providing an opportunity to do genuine research work. Read more about eligibility and the application process on the Emerson Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship webpage.
About This Award
The Dr. Andy Langner Endowed Fund was established in 2011 in memory of chemistry professor Andy Langner to acknowledge students that demonstrate resilience and tenacity during difficult or challenging circumstances. Income from this endowment will be used to support the educational experiences of students enrolled in degree programs at the College of Science. Examples of how the funds may be used include, but are not limited to, stipends for students engaged in research, supplies and equipment for student research, and student travel to conferences. Preference will be given to students who serve as inspirations to faculty and fellow students or who demonstrate resilience and tenacity during difficult or challenging circumstances. This endowed fund is not for scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a graduate or undergraduate student enrolled full-time in RIT’s College of Science.
- Must have at least 1 year remaining at RIT.
- Must be a student in good academic standing.
- Preference will be given to student nominees who demonstrate resilience and tenacity during difficult or challenging circumstances.
How to Apply
Call for applications are emailed to students in February. Student must complete a Qualtrics application that includes:
- A resume.
- A personal statement which describes how the student has persevered difficult circumstances and challenges.
- A support letter from one faculty member.
Important Dates
- Call for Applications emailed to all students: Typically mid-February
- Deadline for Applications: Typically mid-March
- Award Winners Announced: Typically end of April
About this Award
Each year, one student from each of the five academic units of the College of Science that grant undergraduate degrees is chosen for the John Wiley Jones Outstanding Students in Science Award based on their academic achievements, citizenship, and contributions to the quality of campus life. On an annual basis, College of Science faculty nominate students who meet the award criteria. Student nominees are reviewed and selected by the College of Science Leadership Team. Read more at the John Wiley Jones Outstanding Students in Science webpage.
About the Award
The Steven M. Wear Endowed Graduate Fellowship was established in 2018 to provide graduate student support for College of Science MS and Ph.D. candidates. Examples of how the funds may be used include, but are not limited to, stipends for graduate students engaged in research, supplies and equipment for graduate student research, and graduate student travel to conferences.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a graduate student currently enrolled full-time in an RIT College of Science MS or Ph.D. program.
- BS/MS students: the BS portion of the degree must be certified.
- Must have at least one year remaining at RIT.
- Must be in good academic standing.
How to Apply
Call for applications are emailed to students in February. Student must complete a Qualtrics application that includes::
- A resume.
- A statement describing how the funds will support and enhance the graduate student experience (ex. stipends, research, travel).
- A support letter from one faculty member.
Important Dates
- Call for Applications emailed to all students: Typically mid-February
- Deadline for Applications: Typically mid-March
- Award Winners Announced: Typically end of April
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
The following scholarships and awards are available to our students in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. Eligibility for each award varies. Review the following information to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available.
About the Award
The David A. Lawlor Endowed Service Award is given to third and fourth year students who major in a degree program within the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. Students are nominated by faculty and staff for exemplifying the spirit of the late Professor Lawlor in their citizenship and service activities. Students who win this award will be notified during the Spring semester.
About the Award
The David M. Baldwin Memorial Scholarship awards outstanding scholars with recognized service to RIT, the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, and the wider community. Read more about the award process on the David M. Baldwin Memorial Scholarship webpage.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a full-time student for at least 1 year who has achieved third-year status.
- Minimum 3.4 GPA.
Integrated Sciences Academy
The following scholarships and awards are available to our students in the Integrated Sciences Academy. Eligibility for each award varies. Review the following information to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available.
About this Award
The scholarship is available to students enrolled full- or part-time in the Color Science MS program. Awardee selection is based on proven academic excellence as well as the potential for future academic excellence. May be used for tuition only.
Eligibility Requirements
Current Color Science MS students.
How to Apply
Awards are administered by the School Head and Color Science Graduate Program Director.
About this Award
For the awarding of fellowships in Color Science.
Eligibility Requirements
Current Color Science graduate students.
How to Apply
Awards are administered by the School Head and Color Science Graduate Program Director.
About this Award
Established in 2016 to support color science research as applied to cultural heritage applications, for example, art-conservation science. The fellowship is for undergraduate and graduate students. The Fellowship may provide stipends for undergraduate students, stipend and tuition for graduate students, and support travel and equipment for both undergraduate and graduate.
Eligibility Requirements
Current Color Science students.
How to Apply
Awards are administered by the School Head and Color Science Graduate Program Director.
About this Award
Established in 2022 to provide fellowship support to RIT students enrolled in the Color Science Ph.D. program.
Eligibility Requirements
Current full-time Color Science Ph.D. Students.
How to Apply
Awards are administered by the School Head and Color Science Graduate Program Director.
School of Chemistry and Materials Science
The following scholarships and awards are available to our students in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science. Eligibility for each award varies. Review the following information to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available.
About the Award
An award delivered each year by the School of Chemistry and Materials Science to an outstanding second year chemistry student. Awardees will receive a one year subscription to The Journal of Chemical Education.
Eligibility Requirements
- Matriculated undergraduate biochemistry BS or chemistry BS major with second year status (accumulation of 45-89 credit hours).
- Achieved a GPA in the principal field of study (PFOS) greater than or equal to 3.00.
About this Award
Established in 2010 to provide funding to the Chemistry Department in RIT's College of Science, for a summer research program for students. The fund will be administered by the Chemistry Department and will be utilized where it will have the most significant impact on students, enhancing the students' portfolios and competitive edge. Funds may be utilized for items such as stipends, academic supplies or materials, transportation costs, and/or to assist in the presentation of research outcomes.
Eligibility Requirements
- Matriculated undergraduate chemistry or biochemistry major.
- Active within the department.
- Member of the Alpha Chi Sigma association.
How to Apply
- Cover letter including a brief introduction and what you're hoping to accomplish should you receive the award.
- Resume or CV.
- Supervising faculty's letter of support.
- Research proposal.
About the Award
Established in 2000, the Pasto Undergraduate Co-op Fellowship will be awarded to provide a similar hands-on experience as an industry co-op within the School of Chemistry and Materials Science.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completed at least 90 credit hours of study.
- The student will select a research project to be supervised by a member of the School of Chemistry and Materials Science faculty that can be completed at any time of the year (preference given to the summer semester).
About the Award
Established in 2009, this fund provides stipends to pay one or more undergraduate students in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science for a 10-week summer quarter research experience.
Eligibility Requirements
- Matriculated, undergraduate, departmental major in good academic standing with at least 1 year until graduation
- The student will select a research project to be supervised by a member of the SCMS faculty
School of Mathematics and Statistics
The following scholarships and awards are available to our students in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Eligibility for each award varies. Review the following information to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available.
About this Award
The Randolph Award is given to a second-year student who not only has maintained an excellent academic record, but who has worked substantially to pay for his or her own education at RIT.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled full-time in an academic program in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Must be a second-year student.
- Must be in good academic standing.
About the Award
The Martin Setto Memorial Scholarship Recipients are personally selected by the faculty and staff of the School of Mathematics and Statistics that demonstrate the intrinsic qualities of Marty Setto; brilliance, passion, kindness and generosity.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled full-time in an academic program in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Must be in good academic standing.
School of Physics and Astronomy
The following scholarships and awards are available to our students in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Eligibility for each award varies. Review the following information to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available.
About this Award
Fund in honor of astrophysicist Professor David J. Axon, who served as Head of the RIT Physics Department between 2002-2009. Examples of how the award may be used include, but are not limited to, travel, stipends, equipment, and supplies for research.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible recipients include undergraduate or graduate students engaged in the study of/or research in astrophysics and/or astronomy.
How to Apply
No applications: Funds are distributed at the discretion of the School Head.
About the Award
The Hrishikesh Banerjee Endowed Memorial Award is supported by an endowment established in 2020. The award supports exceptional RIT students enrolled in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Read more about the history of this memorial award.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, nominees must be a continuing student, enrolled full-time, pursuing a degree in physics, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and not previously received this award.
The School of Physics and Astronomy will select an awardee annually based on the following criteria:
- Academic Accomplishments: While the overall GPA of a nominee should be a consideration, academic performance and accomplishments in physics courses should be given more weight in the evaluation of nominees.
- Teaching Contributions: Any activities that advance science education should be considered in keeping with Dr. Banerjee's dedication to his students. These activities could include duties as a teaching assistant, tutoring or mentoring other students, volunteering at a local high school, etc.
- Scientific Contributions: Undergraduate research accomplishments contribute to the overall advancement of scientific understanding and should be considered, if applicable. However, in keeping with Dr. Banerjee's recognizing a need for materials science, any activities that advance science within the community should also be considered. Undergraduate student nominees should receive preference over graduate students. In the event there are no strong undergraduate nominees that meet the above criteria, the fund can be used to support an eligible graduate student. If a minimum award amount of $500 cannot be made from the fund, no award will be made for that year.
How to Apply
On an annual basis, the physics faculty nominate students from among those who meet the award eligibility criteria. Nominated students are then invited to submit an application to be considered for the award.
About this Award
Established in March 2006, this endowed fund provides scholarships to students enrolled in the physics BS program within the College of Science. The intent of the scholarship fund is to recognize and reward physics majors who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, dedication and promise in research, and/or leadership in academic service activities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate physics major and be a rising sophomore, junior or senior.
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, as well as a GPA of at least 3.0 for courses within the principal field of study (PFOS).
How to Apply
On an annual basis, the physics faculty nominate students from among those who meet the award eligibility criteria. Nominated students are then invited to submit an application to be considered for the award.