Biotechnology Scholarships
Work in Cutting Edge Bio-Fuels, Genetics or Pharma
As far as the sciences go, biotechnology is one of the hottest fields. Students pursuing a degree in Biotechnology are interested in careers ranging from practical lab work to research. Professional positions are available in such industries as food, pharmaceuticals, the environment, and up-to-the-minute research-related projects in such trendy and sometimes controversial areas as genetics, stem cell research, and bio-fuels.
Areas dense with research and pharmaceutical companies are often ripe for nearby college and university programs offering biotechnology degrees. You will find many community and technical colleges that make it possible for students to migrate seamlessly from two-year to four-year programs. Companies are also instrumental in providing funding if for no other reason than to help fill the abundance of positions available in the industry.
College and University Scholarship Programs
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University offers a dozen or so scholarships to students studying in the department. Most students are pursuing careers in biotechnology. Scholarships include:
- The Max Hinrich's Senior Scholarship is designed for upper level students enrolled in the crop science major.
- Graduate students engaged in crop genetics may qualify for the Andy Lejeune Research Scholarship.
- The Roscoe and Francis Cox Scholarship is awarded to new students majoring in Crop and Soil Sciences. Awards up to $2,000 go to the most outstanding students in the major.
Montgomery College in Maryland sponsors departmental scholarships in their Biotechnology program. The college offers Associates and Bachelors degrees. Students learn chemistry and biology and complete curricula that prepare them for work in entry-level technical positions or higher-level management and research.
The University of Wisconsin-Falls River offers students a scholarship in Biotechnology based on both academics and financial need. Eligible students must be highly involved in the major and have completed a certain level of coursework and research to be considered. Award amounts vary based on need and funding.
Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington, Indiana is looking for a lot of students to fill up positions in their new biotechnology program. As incentive the school is attempting to give away generous scholarships intended to attract new blood to the hot field of biotechnology. The region is rich in pharmaceutical and biotech companies all of which are making big demands on personnel at all levels.
Professional and Corporate Scholarships
Students who are residents in Massachusetts and pursuing a program in Biotechnology may be interested in the Genzyme Corporation Biotechnology Scholarships. The company is a worldwide leader in research dedicated to discovering treatments for a variety of disease. The scholarship program is indicated as an "outreach program" designed to draw local college-age students to college programs that will prepare them for careers in biotechnology, especially with Genzyme. Scholarships are up to $3500. Eligible applicants may be enrolled in a biotechnology program anywhere in the U.S. Candidates must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and be committed to a career in the field. Preference is given to those with well-crafted essays attached to their applications, recommendations from faculty, and related involvement in extracurricular activities.
The Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association awards annual scholarships to students enrolled in a biotechnology degree program. Students may be graduating high school seniors or undergraduates. The scholarships are valued at $2500 each and are announced at the organization's annual conference.
The Iowa Biotechnology Association annually funds $1,000 scholarships for high school students who create innovative biotechnology projects as part of the exhibit at the State Science and Technology Fair. Scholarships are intended to offer encouragement to students wishing to take their interests to the next level in a college program.
New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association is dedicated to the emerging sciences and making sure the future is full of next-gen technicians and researchers in the biotechnology field. To these ends the NMBBA awards are given annually to student members studying in the state. Students may be undergraduates or graduates in a biotechnology, biomedical or related degree program. The awards provide travel expenses to meetings and conferences, along with costly membership fees.
