Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to announce the following scholarship opportunity open to all Oregon FIRST Robotics team members who graduate in 2006. The successful applicant will be enrolled as a freshman at any OSGC member institution pursuing a degree in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including math and science education. One (1) student demonstrating outstanding achievements, leadership, and involvement in the FIRST Robotics program and who has strong academic goals that will ultimately impact the aerospace-related industry will be selected to receive a scholarship award in the amount of $1,500.

This undergraduate scholarship program supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging career goals that impact the aerospace industry. Individuals from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Awards

A single scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded to a qualified candidate through a competitive process.

Dates | Deadlines

Dates and deadlines for this scholarship opportunity are as follows:

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 30, 2006
All application materials, including supporting documentation, must be received at the OSGC office by the stated deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Award Announcement: Monday, May 22, 2006
Applicants will be notified of the award decision by email no later than the posted award announcement date.

Award Distribution: Fall 2006
The award will be made payable to the student directly and will be mailed to the award receipient's mailing address provided on the application form. NOTE: Award information will be reported to the appropriate Office of Financial Aid and may affect the student's financial aid package.

Eligibility

The scholarship is open to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• U.S. Citizen
• 2006 high school graduate
• Oregon FIRST Robotics Team member during 2005-2006
• Enrolled full-time as a freshman at a member institution during the 2006-2007 academic year
• Pursuing a baccalaureate degree in a science, technology, engineering or math discipline, including math or science education - OR pursuing an associate degree in applied science with intent to pursue a baccalaureate degree in same

Application Procedure

1) Complete all sections of the Application Form.

The application is available in an electronic format (MS Word). If you are unable to access the form electronically, or would like to request a paper copy, contact the OSGC office by email at: spacegrant@oregonstate.edu or by phone at: (541) 737-2414. Please allow one week for delivery of forms.

2) Attach the following supporting documentation to the application

• Letter of Intent: Describe your achievements, leadership, and involvement in the FIRST Robotics program. Indicate your academic/career goals as they relate to NASA and how this scholarship will contribute to those goals. Describe how your academic choice will benefit the aerospace community at large. Include other information that you believe qualifies you for scholarship consideration. (Suggested length 250-300 words)
• Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters should specifically address your qualifications for this scholarship and must be submitted on letterhead with complete contact information and signature. NOTE: inclusion with the application package is preferred; however we will accept recommendations electronically.
• Academic Transcript: A current unofficial transcript printed by the high school registrar's office is acceptable.

3) Submit one original of the completed application package

NOTE: package must be received no later than Sunday, April 30, 2006. Documentation received by email will qualify as an electronic signature.

By email:

To: spacegrant@oregonstate.edu
Subject: FIRST Undergraduate Scholarship Application

OR

By mail:

Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium
Attn: FIRST Undergraduate Scholarship Program
92 Kerr Administration Bldg
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2103

Review | Selection Process

The OSGC office evaluates applications received for eligibility. Qualifed applications will be reviewed by an OSGC advisory group who will make recommendations for funding based on the quality of the applications as reflected in the review criteria. The final award decision will be at the discretion of the Director. Preference may be given to women and individuals from under-represented groups.

Review Criteria

Applications are ranked based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated outstanding achievements, leadership, and involvement in the FIRST Robotics program
• Aerospace related academic/career goals
• Strength of recommendations
• Scholastic achievement

Other Requirements

Award recipients agree to:

• Notify OSGC of any changes in mailing address, e-mail address, or telephone number for purposes of progress reports.
• Grant permission to release and/or publish requested recipient information to NASA or other appropriate parties.