The National Science Scholars Program (NSSP) is one of the most popular grants awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to enter a scientific field. These grants are available to students who want to major in life sciences, computer sciences and physical sciences (which includes biology). The award is worth up to $4,000 annually, but students must reapply for the grant every year. Congress awards these scholarships each year, and each Congressional district may submit up to four students for the award, half of which must be female.
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20202
800-872-5327
ed.gov
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is available to students who in their third and fourth years of undergraduate study. Eligible students must be enrolled as a major in life sciences, physical sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or critical foreign language. Students must also have a GPA of at least 3.0, be a U.S. citizen and be enrolled at least half time in their university. These scholarships provide $4,000 annually per student, but when combined with a Pell grant they may not exceed a student's enrollment cost.
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
800-872-5327
ed.gov
Graduate students in biology also need assistance paying their school costs. The Francis M. and Harlie M. Clark Research Support Grants are available to graduate students enrolled in a program sponsored by the School of Integrative Biology. These grants are available only to students attending the University of Illinois at the Urbana-Champagne branch. Students must have completed or be near completing a significant informatics, field or laboratory research project. Graduate students can use these grants to help defer necessary living and tuition costs associated with their projects. Students must apply through the university's financial aid office with the help of their adviser.
School of Integrative Biology
286 Morrill Hall
University of Illinois
505 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
217-333-3044
sib.illinois.edu