17 Best Chemical Engineering Scholarships Worth $50,000+ for 2025-2026

17 Best Chemical Engineering Scholarships

Picture getting a scholarship worth $250,000 for your chemical engineering studies. The Regeneron Science Talent Search awards this life-changing amount to exceptional students, and it’s absolutely real.

                  Chemical engineering scholarships can be highly competitive. But many organizations support talented students from different backgrounds. The Gates Scholarship awards up to $160,000 to minority students, while the Society of Women Engineers provides dedicated funding to women in chemical engineering.

Here’s something exciting – these opportunities are easier to reach than you might think. Students can find great matches based on their background and goals. The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship offers $20,000, and the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund gives $20,000 to aspiring engineers.

We’ve put together a complete list of 17 chemical engineering scholarships. These add up to more than $50,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each scholarship has been carefully checked and is ready for your application now.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program ($160,000+)

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program began in 1999 with a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This program stands as one of the most prestigious opportunities for chemical engineering students.

Program Overview

The program pays your full cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation. Scholars also receive detailed leadership development opportunities and mentoring services. The program has funded more than 20,000 students since it started, and boasts a six-year graduation rate of nearly 90%.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet these criteria:

• Keep a minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Belong to an eligible minority background (African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American)
• Show Pell Grant eligibility
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
• Enroll full-time in a four-year degree program

Application Components

The application happens in two phases:

• Phase 1: Original questionnaire evaluation
• Phase 2: Detailed review including essays, updated transcripts, and recommendation letters

Your nominator should be an educator (teacher, counselor, or principal). Your recommender needs to know your community service and leadership activities well.

Success Tips

Show your leadership skills through community service and extracurricular activities. The program values candidates who pursue STEM fields and plan for graduate education. 54% of selected scholars are first-generation college students. The program maintains a 96.2% first-year retention rate.

Chemical engineering applicants should highlight their passion for innovation and research. The program looks for future leaders who will help build a stronger society. About 40.9% of scholars attend highly selective colleges that accept one-third or fewer of their applicants.

College of Saint Mary Marie Curie Scholarship ($80,000)

The National Science Foundation funds the College of Saint Mary Marie Curie Scholarship, which provides substantial support to women who pursue STEM degrees. Students can receive up to $20,000 annually, with a total value reaching $80,000 over four years.

Scholarship Details

The program supports talented students in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Human Biology (non-Pre-PA) programs. Scholars receive these benefits:

• Paid travel to attend conferences
• Programs to develop professional skills
• Exclusive networking events with industry partners
• Research opportunities and academic support services

The program wants to boost the number of female graduates with STEM majors. A $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation will give students smooth transitions into STEM careers.

Selection Criteria

Qualified candidates need to meet these requirements:

• Acceptance into the College of Saint Mary
• Major in eligible STEM fields
• U.S. citizenship
• A suggested GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Interest in STEM through advanced coursework, clubs, or camp participation

Application Process

Students should follow these key steps to apply:

Students must complete the Marie Curie application form using College of Saint Mary login credentials. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission follows, using the institution’s federal school code: 002540.

The application needs an essay that covers:

• Academic or personal experiences that sparked your STEM interest
• Your graduate school or career goals
• Your learning needs and how peer-based residential learning might help your academic success

Selected candidates might receive invitations to interview with the Marie Curie Scholars Program Director, either in person or by phone. Scholars participate in various training sessions, workshops, and seminars that improve research skills and promote leadership abilities.

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship ($30,000)

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship helps STEM graduates become teachers through a complete master’s degree program. This prestigious fellowship gives a $30,000 stipend to support future educators during their learning experience.

Fellowship Benefits

Students enter an innovative master’s degree program at partner universities and prepare for teacher certification in STEM education. They get real classroom experience through a year-long preparation before becoming full-time teachers. Fellows also receive support from their university and school district throughout their commitment period.

The fellowship includes:

• A $30,000 stipend for tuition and living expenses
• Admission to an innovative master’s program
• Mentoring support throughout the teaching commitment
• Lifelong membership in the Woodrow Wilson Fellows network

Teaching Requirements

Fellows teach for three years in high-need urban or rural secondary schools. They receive ongoing mentoring and professional development opportunities during this time. The program places qualified STEM educators in underserved communities where they can make the biggest difference.

Application Timeline

The fellowship has three application deadlines each year:

• First deadline: October
• Second deadline: December
• Final deadline: January

Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its international equivalent by June 30th of the application year. A 3.0 GPA works best, but candidates who show excellence in other ways get a fair look. Your fellowship application also counts as your graduate school admission, so you won’t need separate university applications.

The program looks for people who show a steadfast dedication to education and have at least 30 college-level credits in STEM fields. This program improves STEM education quality in high-need schools while giving complete support to new teachers.

Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship ($40,000)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gives students the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship that provides up to $40,000 to students who pursue STEM and social science degrees that support NOAA’s mission.

Program Features

Students get $9,500 yearly academic support for two years of full-time study. The scholarship comes with a 10-week paid summer internship at a NOAA facility where students earn $700 weekly. Students also receive travel money to attend required program orientations, the annual Science & Education Symposium, and scientific conferences to present their research.

Research Opportunities

Students gain hands-on experience during their summer internship between first and second years in:

• NOAA-related science and technology
• Policy development and management
• Environmental education initiatives
• Research project implementation

Students who need to live away from home during their internship get housing support. The program helps create training chances in many fields like atmospheric chemistry, ocean science, and satellite data analysis.

Career Benefits

Alumni feedback shows the scholarship program shapes professional paths. Every Hollings Scholar who participated in the survey would tell other students to apply. The program helps students:

• Build professional networks within NOAA and related agencies
• Develop skills to work in NOAA mission fields
• Find paths to public service careers in natural resource and science agencies
• Prepare for roles as educators in oceanic and atmospheric sciences

Students must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time as second-year students in a four-year program or third-year students in a five-year program to qualify. They need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must declare a major that supports NOAA’s mission, from environmental sciences to engineering. The program evaluates applications based on relevant coursework (30%), education plans (30%), academic recommendations (20%), and extra experience (20%).

SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program ($46,000+)

The Department of Defense (DoD) offers the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program. This program serves as a leading educational pathway for future STEM professionals.

Program Benefits

Students receive detailed financial support with full tuition coverage and annual stipends between $30,000 and $46,000, depending on their degree level. Scholars also get these additional benefits:

• Allowances for books and health insurance
• Summer internships lasting 8-12 weeks
• Guidance from experienced DoD professionals
• Guaranteed job placement after graduation

The program boasts remarkable results. About 91% of scholars have completed or remain on track with their service commitments. Strategic collaborations with more than 200 DoD facilities let scholars work with state-of-the-art systems in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space technology.

Service Commitments

Scholars work one year as civilian DoD employees for each year of funding they receive. They spend this time at DoD facilities working on technological breakthroughs. Once scholars complete their required service, they can stay with the DoD or explore other career paths.

Selection Process

Eligible candidates should:

• Hold citizenship in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026
• Study one of 23 approved STEM disciplines

Applications open each year from August through December. The deadline falls on December’s first Friday at 5:00 p.m. EST. Selected candidates show excellent academic records and share DoD’s vision of advancing technological progress.

The program added the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship, which creates chances for incoming college freshmen who plan to earn bachelor’s degrees in SMART-approved disciplines. This addition strengthens the program’s goal to develop future STEM leaders at various educational stages.

Regeneron Science Talent Search ($250,000)

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) ranks as America’s oldest and most prestigious science competition. High school seniors can win prizes up to $250,000. The program started in 1942 and has helped identify many future STEM leaders.

Competition Overview

Around 2,500 students submit their work each year across 23 scientific fields. The program selects 300 scholars who receive $2,000 awards. The top 40 finalists then head to Washington, D.C. to compete for bigger prizes. Students can win from a total prize pool that exceeds $3 million annually. This creates a great chance for aspiring chemical engineers.

Project Requirements

A strong application should include:

• Original research paper (maximum 20 pages)
• Detailed project documentation
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Optional test scores

Judges look at both scientific merit and leadership skills. They evaluate projects based on creativity, methods used, and potential effects. The final round runs from March 6-12, 2025, where contestants face detailed questioning.

Past Winner Insights

Recent winners show the competition’s range:

• Achyuta Rajaram (2024) won first place and $250,000 by improving automatic discovery of visual circuits
• Thomas Yu-Tong Cong studied rapid cancer growth and metabolism control
• Michelle Wei made advances in second-order cone programming solvers

Winners get more than just money. The program’s alumni include thirteen Nobel Prize winners, two Fields Medal recipients, and eleven National Medal of Science honorees. Twenty alumni have become MacArthur Fellows. Seven winners have also received Breakthrough Prizes, which shows how the program promotes scientific excellence.

Chemical engineering students get an exceptional chance to highlight their innovative research while competing for major funding. The program works with top research institutions to give winners access to state-of-the-art facilities and guidance from leading scientists.

Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship ($38,000)

The Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship stands out as one of the country’s top doctoral fellowships. This prestigious program offers remarkable support worth $250,000. The foundation seeks out innovative thinkers who show amazing potential to tackle critical global challenges.

Fellowship Components

Fellows can pick between two complete funding packages:

• Option 1: Five-Year Hertz

• • $34,000 annual stipend for 9 months
  • Complete tuition coverage
  • $5,000 yearly stipend for fellows with dependent children

• Option 2: Five-Year Coordinated

• • $40,000 annual stipend for 9 months
  • $8,000 yearly NSF supplemental stipend
  • $5,000 yearly stipend for fellows with dependent children

The benefits go well beyond money. Fellows become part of a thriving community of over 1,300 peers. They get access to ongoing programs, mentoring, and career development workshops.

Research Focus Areas

This fellowship supports doctoral work in applied physical sciences, biological sciences, and engineering. The fellows’ achievements speak volumes:

• 2 Nobel Prizes
• 10 Breakthrough Prizes
• 3 MacArthur Foundation “genius awards”
• The Turing Award and Fields Medal

Hertz Fellows have also secured more than 3,000 patents and launched over 375 companies.

Application Strategy

Candidates must shine through two tough interview rounds. About 180 candidates from 700 applications move forward to first-round technical interviews. The field narrows to 70 candidates for second-round interviews, with 15 fellows selected at the end.

Strong candidates should show:

• Rich knowledge across multiple disciplines
• Creative solutions to complex problems
• Drive to tackle society’s challenges
• Strong leadership abilities
• Solid record of achievements

The foundation partners with more than 40 leading universities, which lets fellows pursue groundbreaking research paths. Fellows make a personal pledge to help during national emergencies. This commitment reflects the program’s focus on building scientific leadership and protecting national security.

DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship

The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF), 32 years old, enables doctoral students to use high-performance computing for complex science and engineering challenges.

Stipend Details

Fellows receive generous financial support that covers:

• Annual stipend of $45,000
• Full university tuition and required fees
• Annual academic allowance of $1,000
• Career growth through summer program reviews in Washington, D.C.

Students can renew their fellowship support for up to four years, which lets them concentrate on their research fully.

Research Opportunities

Students can choose between two research tracks:

1. Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Track

1. • Supports research in various fields that use high-performance computing
   • Highlights artificial intelligence and machine learning applications

1. Math/Computer Science Track

1. • Centers on applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, and computational science
   • Aims to improve high-performance computing systems

Students complete a twelve-week practicum at one of 21 DOE national laboratories where they access advanced supercomputing facilities. This practical experience creates valuable connections between upcoming researchers and established scientists.

Program Requirements

Qualified candidates should:

• Be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
• Pursue full-time doctoral study at an accredited U.S. university without interruption
• Submit applications through the secure online portal by January 16, 2025

Application steps include:

• Creating a Program of Study with guidance from graduate advisors
• Getting three reference letters from qualified professionals
• Submitting official transcripts from all attended institutions
• Providing detailed documentation about research interests

More than 425 students from 60 U.S. universities have received this fellowship. The program demonstrates its steadfast dedication to diversity through its 2023-24 class, where women make up more than one-third and underrepresented groups account for over half of the recipients. Program graduates now work at DOE laboratories, private companies, and educational institutions where they help advance computational science across the country.

National GEM Consortium Fellowships ($16,000+)

The National GEM Consortium strengthens America’s workforce by connecting talented underrepresented students to graduate STEM programs with vital financial support. This prestigious fellowship program has helped over 4,000 successful fellows achieve their academic goals.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows receive complete support through several funding options:

• MS Engineering Fellows get a $16,000 stipend annually
• Member universities cover full tuition and fees
• Leading employers provide paid summer internships
• Students attend professional development workshops and networking events

MS program fellows can receive support for up to four semesters or six quarters. PhD candidates get funding through their fifth year. GEM covers the first year while university partnerships fund the remaining years.

Industry Partnerships

The consortium works with more than 75 major corporations in a variety of industries. Fellows benefit from:

• Customized internships that line up with their research interests
• Direct work on advanced industry projects
• Guidance from experienced professionals
• Possible full-time employment opportunities

Master’s Fellows often find success, with 85% accepting permanent positions at their sponsoring employers. Employer members show their steadfast dedication to developing diverse talent through a minimum annual investment of $27,500.

Application Guidelines

Eligible candidates must:

• Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Apply to minimum three GEM member universities
• Submit applications by the second Friday in November
• Provide statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts, and three recommendations

The GEM Selection Committee carefully reviews each application. GRE scores can strengthen applications but aren’t required. Selected fellows need to complete:

• Student Acceptance Agreement
• Code of Conduct
• University Support Confirmation Agreement

The program helps African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans who want to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in applied science and engineering. GEM creates pathways for underrepresented groups in STEM fields through structured mentoring and financial support.

UNCF Chevron Corporate Scholars Program ($15,000)

Chevron and UNCF have joined forces to create a selective scholarship program that prepares future leaders for the energy industry. Students passionate about chemical engineering and related fields can benefit from this two-year renewable merit-based program.

Program Features

Students receive detailed support through several key components:

• Two-year renewable funding for college freshmen
• Full participation in career development curriculum
• Summer internship chances after freshman and sophomore years
• Practical experience in energy sector operations
• Expert mentorship from industry professionals

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. This program supports students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and encourages diversity in chemical engineering education.

Industry Connections

Students can build direct paths into the energy sector through:

• Internship placements at Chevron facilities
• Experience with state-of-the-art technology applications
• Work alongside industry professionals
• Access to Chevron’s digital innovation initiatives
• Work on ground engineering projects

Career Development

Scholars receive structured support for professional growth beyond financial help. Requirements include:

• A detailed resume showing leadership experiences
• Records of volunteer work and extracurricular activities
• Two essays that show industry interest and leadership potential

Preferred majors cover engineering disciplines of all types:

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials Engineering/Science
• Computer Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

Scholars gain practical experience through Chevron’s Digital Scholar Program, which works with prestigious institutions like MIT and Rice University. Students learn to combine advanced technological tools with business operations as they prepare for leadership roles in digital innovation.

Each applicant’s institution must verify their financial need. The selection team reviews candidates based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and genuine interest in advancing the energy sector.

Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships ($12,000)

The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships each year to support future engineering leaders. Students can receive up to $12,000 through the foundation’s premier scholarship program that comes with valuable industry experience.

Industry Focus

Students get practical experience in steel manufacturing through structured internships. They work at North American steel facilities where they make meaningful contributions instead of doing routine tasks. The foundation’s partnerships with steel companies help students to:

• Put their theoretical knowledge to work in ground settings
• Build technical expertise in steel production
• Create professional networks within the industry
• Learn about manufacturing processes

Selection Criteria

The foundation evaluates applications on these factors:

• Steel Industry Interest (35%)
• Academic Performance (20%)
• Recommendation Letters (30%)
• Extra-Curricular Activities (15%)

Students must keep a minimum 2.5 GPA and show genuine interest in steel manufacturing careers. The foundation welcomes applications from full-time students pursuing degrees in:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Computer Science

A complete application needs several key components. Students should submit a detailed resume that showcases their leadership roles and relevant experience. They must write a two-page essay about their professional goals and potential contributions to the steel industry. The final requirement is to get endorsement letters from university professors or academic advisors who know their work well.

Selected students receive financial support and career growth opportunities. The highest-scoring candidate gets the Premier Scholarship of $12,000 plus a paid summer internship. AIST helps place scholars in meaningful internships at steel-producing companies. Many scholars end up working full-time in the industry where they contribute to technological advancement and operational excellence.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium ($12,000)

The U.S. Department of Defense sponsors the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), which rewards outstanding high school students doing STEM research. This prestigious competition gives away more than $200,000 in scholarships each year and encourages breakthroughs among young scientists.

Competition Format

Students compete through a tiered system that starts with 48 regional symposia at universities across the country. Around 12,000 students participate, and 240 of the best advance to the National JSHS. Regional winners get impressive rewards:

• First Place: $2,000
• Second Place: $1,500
• Third Place: $1,000

Research Categories

Students can submit projects in eight different areas:

• Environmental Science
• Biomedical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Medicine & Health/Behavioral Sciences
• Engineering & Technology
• Mathematics & Computer Science
• Physical Sciences
• Chemistry

Presentation Requirements

Students must prepare their oral presentations carefully. Each presenter gets:

• 12 minutes to present their research
• 6 minutes to answer judge questions
• LCD projector and screen access
• Laser pointer to highlight key points

The presentation guidelines highlight several important steps. Students should submit a 250-word abstract in Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins. They need to write a research paper between 5-40 pages, including appendices and references. The PowerPoint presentation comes with specific video rules – videos must stay under one minute and relate directly to the research.

Success comes from clearly explaining hypotheses, methods, and conclusions. Students should label their graph axes and explain what their data patterns mean. The judges, who are Ph.D. holders and active researchers, review presentations based on scientific merit, methodology, and how the research might affect the field.

JSHS builds paths for future chemical engineers through structured mentoring and complete support. The program works with leading research institutions to give winners access to advanced facilities and guidance from notable scientists.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship ($15,000)

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a 38-year old congressional award, celebrates Senator Barry Goldwater’s 56-year legacy as both soldier and statesman. This prestigious recognition helps exceptional college sophomores and juniors who want to pursue research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Scholarship Impact

The foundation has changed many lives by awarding nearly 11,000 scholarships over the past 38 years. Many Goldwater Scholars go on to receive other prestigious awards like Rhodes Scholarships, NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, and National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships. Students receive $7,500 each year to cover undergraduate tuition and living expenses.

Nomination Process

Each four-year institution’s Goldwater Campus Representative can nominate up to four students annually. Schools can add a fifth nominee if they include a transfer student or U.S. veteran, which aligns with diversity initiatives. Students must submit:

• A detailed research essay
• Three recommendation letters
• Academic transcripts
• Updated GPA records

Research Requirements

The research essay gives a great way to get information about your motivation, background, and research aspirations. Make sure to include:

• Clear description of your intellectual contributions
• Documentation of prior research experience
• Demonstration of acquired skills
• Bibliography featuring current, refereed journal articles

Faculty mentors should review multiple drafts of your essay. Use “I” instead of “we” or “our team” to highlight your personal contributions to research projects. Your essay should also outline future work or propose new projects if your current research ends.

Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify. The foundation supports students dedicated to research careers. Medical and veterinary candidates can apply if research remains central to their professional goals. The program’s impact shows in its demographics – 54% of selected scholars are first-generation college students.

ASNT Fellowship Award ($20,000)

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Fellowship Award helps advance research in nondestructive testing with substantial funding opportunities. This prestigious program offers up to $20,000 per award to support graduate-level research at ABET-accredited institutions.

Research Areas

The fellowship gives priority to state-of-the-art projects in nondestructive testing (NDT) and nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Selection committees review proposals based on several criteria:

• Research novelty and potential contributions
• Technical approach soundness
• Project scope feasibility
• Completion potential
• Team qualifications
• Facility adequacy

Industry Applications

Award recipients get access to innovative research facilities and chances to present their findings at ASNT Research Symposiums. The program focuses on practical applications through:

• Paper submissions to Materials Evaluation or Research in Nondestructive Evaluation journals
• Recognition at ASNT Annual Conference
• Networking with industry leaders
• Collaboration with experienced researchers

Fellowship Terms

The fellowship has strict guidelines for fund disbursement. Recipients must submit completed research papers within 24 months after their project starts. The application process needs:

A detailed proposal limited to twenty one-sided sheets that covers:

• Title page with school details, faculty information, student recipient’s name
• Abstract summarizing research scope
• Detailed project description outlining objectives
• Study program overview
• Available research facilities documentation

Funding starts in July through university contracting offices. The Financial Awards Committee picks up to five recipients each year and reviews proposals through a rigorous process. Successful candidates show exceptional potential to advance NDT technologies.

Universities with post-graduate engineering and science research programs can apply for this program. Faculty advisors must meet specific requirements to direct graduate degree programs. ASNT continues to promote state-of-the-art developments in nondestructive testing and prepares future industry leaders through well-laid-out support mechanisms.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship ($20,000)

Microsoft shows its steadfast dedication to diversity through the prestigious Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship program. The program helps African American students pursue technology careers with 55 scholarships worth $150,000 each year.

Diversity Initiatives

BAM scholarships help high school seniors with African heritage. Students of African American, African, Ethiopian, and other African backgrounds can apply. The program offers two types of awards:

• Five $5,000 renewable scholarships that continue for up to three years based on grades
• Fifty one-time $2,500 scholarships for immediate education expenses

Tech Industry Focus

The program values hands-on technology experience and academic success. Students must show their passion for technology in a 2,000-character application essay. The selection team looks at several factors:

• Academic grades (3.0 GPA minimum)
• Leadership roles at school or in the community
• Teacher recommendations
• Financial requirements
• Career plans in technology

Support Services

Scholarship winners get more than just money. The program requires students to:

• Enroll full-time in eligible programs like Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or specific Business courses
• Keep a 3.0 GPA for renewable scholarships
• Work with program mentors and advisors regularly

Students can apply between January 22, 2025, and March 13, 2025. Applications must reach the Scholarship America Hub by the deadline. Required documents include:

• An original recommendation letter from a teacher (on school letterhead)
• Academic transcripts with all course details
• An essay about technology career goals
• SAT/ACT scores (if not on transcripts)

International students can apply if they plan to study at accredited U.S. schools. This well-laid-out program helps students excel academically and professionally while preparing them for effective technology careers.

Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund ($20,000)

Dado and Maria Banatao’s Filipino American Education Fund has been helping underrepresented Filipino students in science and engineering fields since 2002. Students can receive $5,000 each year through this renewable scholarship, which adds up to $20,000 over four years.

Cultural Impact

The fund helps increase Filipino representation in STEM fields where their numbers remain low. Scholars become part of a growing network of Filipino American professionals who are changing the technology world. The Banatao family actively shares cultural values through their philanthropy to encourage connections between generations.

Academic Requirements

Students must meet these key criteria:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Possess at least 50% Filipino heritage
• Enroll full-time at an accredited four-year institution
• Major in engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental or physical science

Students must live in specific California areas to qualify. Northern California applicants should be from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, or Yolo counties. Students from Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego counties qualify in Southern California.

Community Service

The selection committee looks at several key factors:

• Educational and career goals in engineering/science
• Personal motivation and potential
• Work experience
• Financial needs

Required application materials include:

• Completed student application form
• Essays showing community commitment
• Official academic transcripts
• Professional resume
• Two recommendation letters, with at least one from a current teacher

Letters should be on official school or organization letterhead and include detailed information about the student’s abilities. The Asian Pacific Fund manages this scholarship opportunity, and applications are due by March 21, 2025. This initiative shows how targeted support programs can boost diversity in chemical engineering education.