Purpose
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

Goldwater Scholarships are made on the basis of merit to two groups of students -- those who will be college juniors and those who will be college seniors -- who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Four-year institutions are eligible to nominate up to four students who are in the sophomore or junior class during the 2004-2005 academic year.

Details
Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to the succeeding academic year. Junior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of two years of scholarship support; senior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of one year of scholarship support.

Trustees intend to award up to 300 Goldwater Scholarships. The number of scholarships to be awarded per state will depend on the number and qualifications of the nominees from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and, considered as a single entity, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The word "residence" as used in this context refers to a person who has legal residence in the state from which he or she is a candidate. This status might be indicated by parents' place of residence. If that criterion of residence is not relevant, the candidate's legal residence will be determined by his or her eligibility for in-state tuition rates (where applicable) and place of voter registration.

In awarding scholarships, the Foundation Board of Trustees will consider the nominee's fields of study and career objectives and the extent to which that individual has the commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to his or her field. Nominees must include in their application materials a statement of interest in a career in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering, detailing how their academic program and their overall educational plans will prepare them for their chosen career goal. It is expected that students selected as scholars will pursue advanced degrees. Note: Students who plan to study medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship ONLY if they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in private practice.

For more information on the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships, visit the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program website at:

http://www.act.org/goldwater/.