STEM
Apply for a Second Century Scholarship & the Jones Scholarship:

For students entering in the Fall 2024 Semester:

Submit the Second Century Scholarship application through the Madison Scholarship Hub.
This application will be used to determine eligibility for both awards.

Early Action Admission Deadline: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Regular Decision Admission Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2024

Questions? Please email scs@jmu.edu

Scholarship Overview

The James Madison University Second Century Scholarship provides financial support to exemplary students entering fields in the domain of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This highly competitive four-year scholarship is open to first-year students enrolling in a designated STEM major.

The Second Century Scholarship is valued at 100% of in-state tuition and fees and continues for a maximum of four consecutive years, pending continued exemplary academic performance. As JMU STEM programs continue to gain greater recognition for outstanding academic quality, the Second Century Scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting students who are serious about using STEM to make a difference in the world.

The Jones Scholarship supports an academic scholarship for one incoming freshman that has a declared major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years for students who maintain good academic standing.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply any time prior to the deadline—including before they are notified about acceptance to James Madison University.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Second Century Scholarship:

  • GPA of 3.75 or higher (performance in science, technology and mathematics courses will receive additional consideration)
  • Demonstrated interest and commitment to study in a STEM area
  • Declaration of a major in a designated College of Science & Mathematics or College of Integrated Science & Engineering program; these majors include:
    • Biology
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • Earth Science
    • Engineering
    • Geography
    • Geology
    • Information Technology
    • Intelligence Analysis
    • Integrated Science and Technology
    • Mathematics
    • Physics/Astronomy
    • Statistics

Additional criteria for the Jones Scholarship:

  • Virginia resident
  • First-generation college student
  • Have applied to the Honors College
Apply for the J(ste)MU Scholarship

For students entering in the Fall 2024 Semester:

Submit the J(ste)MU Scholarship application through the Madison Scholarship Hub.

Priority Submission Deadlines:
Early Action Admission: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Regular Decision Admission: Thursday, February 1, 2024

Applications will be accepted until the J(ste)MU scholarship program is at capacity.

Questions? Please email lovinla@jmu.edu

Scholarship Overview

This new scholarship opportunity through the J(ste)MU program will fund 22 students pursing bachelor's degrees in programs in the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), including biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biophysical chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics, and/or statistics. Individual scholarships will be for up to $10,000 per year for four years.

As part of this scholarship program, J(ste)MU Scholars will also receive support including:

  • One-week Summer Transition Program
  • Annual Seminars with special topics
  • Network of mentors (faculty and students)
  • Scaffolded research opportunities
  • STEM Career Exploration and Planning
  • Enhanced academic and non-academic support services

Those who are awarded this scholarship are expected to:

  • Continue financial eligibility in terms of low-income status and unmet need;
  • Continue enrollment and remain on track to graduate in a major program of study in CSM;
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 overall and in the major;
  • Satisfactory participation in J(ste)MU programs, including attending the summer transition week, enrollment in the one-hour seminar session each semester, participation in summer research experiences, and regular meetings with mentors. 

For more information, click here

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the J(ste)MU Scholarship:

  • GPA of 3.0 or greater in high school or college level work;
  • Completion of at least one mathematics course beyond Algebra II;
  • Strength of completed STEM-related coursework in the context of local availability;
  • Content of additional submitted scholarship application materials, which include:
    • Short essays responding to prompts that highlight student interest and commitment to STEM and to the J(ste)MU program and how they view the program as helping them
    • Letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher, guidance counselor, or employer with knowledge of the student’s work ethic and level of maturity
    • Resume (2-page limit).

Eligible students must be low-income (i.e., Federal Pell Grant eligible), academically talented, major in a discipline offered through the College of Science and Mathematics, and must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien lawfully admitted as a refugee or for permanent residence.

For information about the Federal Pell Grant Program and to determine if you qualify for a Pell Grant, please click here.

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