Two NC Space Grant 2023-24 MSI Scholarships Now Open for Applications

Students at eligible Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can now apply to two MSI scholarships, the MSI STEM Pathways Scholarship and the MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship. Applications are being accepted until Monday, October 16, 2023. 

North Carolina Space Grant is holding two information sessions about these opportunities and tips on how to apply and submit high quality applications.

The scholarships will support and encourage students from underserved and underrepresented populations to pursue STEM related research, degrees and careers.

“NC Space Grant champions diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility, or DEIJA, by recruiting, retaining and preparing a diverse workforce, and proactively engaging and serving diverse populations,” Sandy Canfield, NC Space Grant assistant director, said. “As such, we work to build inclusive research, education and public outreach programs that serve people with unique backgrounds, circumstances, needs, perspectives and ways of thinking. These scholarship offerings directly speak to our DEIJA initiative.” 

Letters of recommendations are required for both scholarship applications and must be submitted by Wednesday, October 19, 2023. 

MSI STEM Pathways Scholarship

The Pathways scholarship is intended to support students in their early academic STEM pathways, introducing them to STEM research and careers related to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Full-time community college and non-senior undergraduate students attending an eligible MSI or HBCU and engaging in academic coursework in a STEM field may apply to this opportunity. 

Recipients of the MSI STEM Pathways Scholarship receive $3,000 in funding. In an attempt to familiarize students with the application process, they have the opportunity to apply to the NASA fellowship and internship program. Additionally, selected scholars have the opportunity to attend a webinar with NASA, STEM experts, and program alumni; research current NASA missions or topics they are interested in; and interview a faculty member in a STEM field they’re interested in pursuing.  

Students can apply using the following application portal:

For full details about the scholarship:
MSI STEM Pathways Scholarship RFP

MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship 

The intended next step, the Bridge scholarship, supports students furthering their academic STEM careers, facilitating access to NC Space Grant or other research scholarship opportunities by assisting students in cultivating knowledge and skills to develop research plans and proposals and conduct research. Full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending an eligible MSI or HBCU and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field may apply to this opportunity. 

Recipients of the MSI Bridge Scholarship receive $5,000. Bridge Scholars will complete similar requirements: apply to the NASA internship and fellowship program, interview a faculty member, attend two webinars, and conduct research about one of the NASA Mission Directorates. In addition, Bridge scholars have the opportunity to build their academic and professional networks, as well as receive guidance toward pursuing future academic, internship, and career opportunities with NASA, NC Space Grant and more. 

Students can apply using the following application portal:

For full details about the scholarship:
MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship RFP

Information Sessions

NC Space Grant is holding virtual information sessions about these opportunities and tips on how to apply and submit high-quality applications. Registration is required but it is FREE and easy to register via Zoom. For those who cannot attend either session, a recording will be available on our website prior to the deadline. 

MSI STEM Scholarship Virtual Information Session #1
Friday, September 22, 12pm – 1pm

MSI STEM Scholarship Virtual Information Session #2
Thursday, October 5, 12pm – 1pm

Contact:
Sandy Canfield, Assistant Director
srcanfie@ncsu.edu
919-515-5943

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