Science Leadership Camp Scholarship
Science Leadership Camp
In partnership with Science-U, Penn State’s Center for Nanoscale Science has created a scholarship opportunity for motivated high school students from diverse backgrounds to attend the Science Leadership Camp, July 7-11, 2025. To learn more about the Center for Nanoscale Science as a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), please visit its website. Applications are due January 17, 2025!
Science Leadership Camp Description:
- July 7–11
- Grades 9–12
- $425
Science Leadership Residential Camp
- July 6–11
- Grades 9–12
- $875
Are you ready to become a leader in the science world? Join us for Science Leadership Camp, where your passion for science meets your desire to make a difference in the world! Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to think big and lead boldly. You’ll tackle real–world challenges in your community and craft a vision for change using your unique leadership and scientific skills. Learn from inspiring Penn State science students and faculty who will share their journeys and insights, giving you a glimpse into the future of science leadership. But that’s not all! Get ready to dive into cutting–edge research and engage in hands–on science activities that demonstrate concepts most don’t encounter until college. Whether you’re brainstorming solutions to global–scale issues or exploring the latest scientific breakthroughs, you’ll be equipped with the tools to make a difference. Join us at University Park for a transformative experience that will stay with you through high school, college, and beyond. (Note: The first full day of camp is Monday, July 7, but residential campers will check in to the dorms on the evening of Sunday, July 6.)
Links to Scholarship Documents:
Below is a link to the entire scholarship document containing the Instruction Page, the Application Form, and the Teacher/Mentor Recommendation Form. Click the link to download the document. Tips for completing a fillable PDF are below, or you may print the document and complete it by hand. When returning the completed documents electronically, please add your name to the document title.
Scholarship Selection Criteria:
- Entering 9th through 12th grades in the Fall of 2025
- Sincere interest in learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math (STEM)
- Interest in leadership
- Motivation to learn and academic effort
This scholarship program seeks to attract individuals who value diversity and inclusion. Applicants from populations that are underrepresented and/or underserved in STEM are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Timeline:
- All materials are due by January 17, 2025.
- Scholarship applications will be reviewed by the Science Leadership Scholarship Committee.
- Applicants will be notified by January 31 which is before Science-U registration opens on February 7 at noon.
Instructions for Applicants:
On a separate sheet of paper, please write a 1–2-page essay (approx. 300-600 words) that answers the following three questions, using specific examples to illustrate your points.
- How will attending Science Leadership Camp benefit you and your community?
- Why are you motivated to become a leader in science?
- How will attending Science Leadership Camp benefit you and your community?
Submit your Application Form and essay by January 17, 2025 in one of the following ways:
Mail:
Science-U Summer Camp Program
Science Leadership Scholarship Committee
201 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
Email: sciencecamps@science.psu.edu
For paper application forms, questions, or more information, contact the Science-U office at sciencecamps@science.psu.edu.
Follow these steps to complete a PDF Fillable Form:
1. Download and Install Adobe Reader Software.
To access, view, download, complete and print fillable forms you will need to use the latest Adobe Reader. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free and can be downloaded from https://get.adobe.com/reader/ if your computer does not have it currently. Follow the instructions from Adobe to properly install the software.
2. View the Form, then Save it to your computer.
Click the button or website link that leads to the form. When it is open, select the “Download” or “Save” icon. You might be given the opportunity to choose where to save your PDF form. Make note of where you are saving it so you can open it in a later step. If you are not able to choose the folder location, it will be saved to your "Downloads" folder.
3. Open the Form and complete it.
Locate the PDF file you saved in the last step in Windows and double click it to open.
When the form is open, proceed to fill out the form as required.
4. Save the PDF Form with a new name.
When the PDF form is complete, save it as a new document with your last name in the title. (example: “ApplicationForm_Science”). At this point you can attach the completed and saved document to an email and send it back for review. Alternatively, you may print it to be mailed or faxed.
Quotes from past scholarship recipients:
Questions?
Contact us via email at sciencecamps@science.psu.edu or give us a call at (814) 865-0083.
Office of Science Outreach, 201 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA 16802
For more information, please see Information for Parents from the Penn State Office of Ethics and Compliance.
