2008 ASU Scholarships in Earth and Space Exploration

General Scholarship Information:
The ASU Scholarships in Earth and Space Exploration is established to recognize outstanding Arizona high school seniors interested in pursuing a B.S. in Earth and Space Exploration in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). This innovative program, one of several B.S. degrees offered by SESE, was designed specifically as a hybrid science-engineering degree that provides basic competencies in earth science, astrophysics, planetary science, and systems engineering. It is the only degree program of its kind in the world.

Amount: 
$8,000 per year ($4,000 per semester); renewable for three additional years based on renewal criteria. Funds must be used toward educational expenses including tuition and fees, housing, books and other costs of attendance. 

Application Process:
Students interested in being considered must be admitted to ASU and must also apply separately for the scholarship. The application process includes submission of a simple application form and the simultaneous submission of a one page essay (see essay details below). Completed applications are due on April 1 and should be sent directly to Rebecca Polley Education Office, School of Earth and Space Exploration, ArizonaStateUniversity, P.O. Box 871404, Tempe, AZ85287-1404. Students will be notified of a decision by April 15.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

Major:  Admitted to ArizonaStateUniversity, School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) as a declared B.S. in Earth and Space Exploration major.

Residency:  Arizona Residents only; graduation from an Arizona high school.

Grade Level(s):  HS Senior enrolling for Fall; continuing ASU students are not eligible for consideration.

Minimum High School GPA:  3.5

Need-based:  No, however, students are strongly encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year at: www.fafsa.ed.gov

Additional Information:

• This award is renewable for up to three additional years for a four-year total of $32,000.
• ASU does not combine institutional merit scholarships.  In the event a student is offered this scholarship in addition to an ASU institutional scholarship, the student will retain the scholarship of higher value.
• Students are required to participate in a mentoring program which pairs scholarship recipients with upper-class students in SESE. 
  

Renewal Criteria:
Students are evaluated for renewal at the end of each spring semester.

• Remain enrolled as a full-time undergraduate ASU student in the B.S. Earth and Space Exploration major and complete a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours each year by the conclusion of the spring semester. 
• Maintain a minimum 3.25 ASU cumulative grade point average.
• Actively participate in the scholarship mentoring program. In the first year, must meet regularly with an upper-class mentor in the program. In subsequent years, must agree to serve as an upper-class mentor.

Essay instructions:
All essays should be typed, double-spaced in Times New Roman 12-pt font, and should not exceed 750 words. Please include your full name in the upper right-hand corner of all pages of your essay.

Essay question:
Whether it involves human travel to the Moon or other planets, the dispatch of robots, or even the construction of great telescopes to probe distant galaxies, space exploration is expensive business. Many reasonable people feel that the United States should spend less on space exploration and instead invest in solutions to the many problems that confront us here on Earth. How would you respond to these legitimate concerns and explain why space exploration is nonetheless worthwhile?

Direct questions to Rebecca Polley at (480) 965-5768 or email: rebecca.polley@asu.edu

Deadline: All materials must be received by April 1, 2008.