Scholarships for College Sophomores

First-, second-, and third-year U.S. medical students may apply for a yearlong immersive hematology research fellowship under an ASH member mentor. Awardees must spend more than 80 percent of the fellowship year conducting laboratory, translational, or clinical hematology research. The one-year package totals $42,000, including $32,000 trainee support, $4,000 research supplies, $4,000 for insurance and coursework, and $2,000 for meeting attendance including the ASH annual meeting. Applications open September 1 and close February 2 annually. The 2026 cycle deadline had passed by July 2026 with May notification. ASH funds this physician-scientist track to give medical students sustained exposure to hematology research careers.

Medical students at RPB-supported ophthalmology departments may be nominated by their department chair for a one-year eye research fellowship before the third or fourth year of medical school. MD/PhD students are ineligible. The fellowship provides a $30,000 grant plus up to $8,000 additional relocation support when the student must move more than one hour from their medical school. One glaucoma-focused award is co-funded with The Glaucoma Foundation. Department chairs submit nominations by June 15 or December 15; student applications are due July 1 or January 10. Applications without prior nomination are not accepted. Research to Prevent Blindness has funded medical student eye research fellowships at grantee ophthalmology departments for decades.

Sophomore students at historically Black colleges and universities with a minimum 3.0 GPA may apply through their campus coordinator for the English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship toward a semester of study at a British university during junior year. One award of up to $30,000 is granted. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and interest in international affairs or culture. Applications require essays, transcripts, and recommendations compiled by the school coordinator. The scholarship has supported HBCU students studying in the United Kingdom since 1969.

Wisconsin residents in their second year or above of dental, medical, psychiatry, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner programs who intend to practice in a Wisconsin Health Shortage Area may apply. Scholarships provide up to $30,000 per academic year for dentists, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists, or up to $25,000 for PAs and NPs, renewable for up to four years. Recipients agree to practice in a designated shortage area for 18 months per year of funding accepted. Apply through the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB). Awards are based on application postmark date.

U.S. citizens nominated by participating accredited medical schools with strong global health programs may receive the Gantenbein Medical Fund Fellowship during their second year of medical school. The fellowship provides $30,000 per year ($25,000 tuition and $5,000 living expenses) and may be renewed for two additional years while the student remains in good standing. Students do not apply directly; nomination comes through participating schools.

Competitive scholarship for Austin College sophomores majoring in political science or international relations. Established by Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, the award provides $30,000 divided between the recipient's junior and senior years. Students compete during their sophomore year based on academic achievement and interest in self-government. Winners join a distinguished alumni network of Sumners scholars and may participate in related campus symposia sponsored by the foundation throughout their upper-division years at Austin College.

NSF Robert Noyce scholarship for BSU undergraduates completing a STEM plus STEM-education double major who commit to four years teaching in a high-need K-12 district after graduation. Scholarships reach up to $26,000 per year for up to two years and can cover tuition, fees, books, room, board, and related costs. Scholars join a professional learning community with PeaceMaker Resources training and post-graduation mentoring during their first two years in the classroom. Contact program faculty and apply through BSU admissions for on-campus study.

Female-identifying U.S. citizens or permanent residents in their second or third year at an ABA-accredited law school with a minimum 3.5 GPA who plan careers as plaintiff trial lawyers may apply. One $25,000 scholarship and up to two additional $10,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to client-centered advocacy. Apply through Scholarship America with a required essay on client service in trial law. The scholarship reflects Milestone's commitment to empowering women leaders in plaintiff litigation.

Second- or third-year students in good standing at AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in the United States or Canada may apply. Selection weighs academic excellence, leadership (university or community), and may consider financial need. Seventy students receive $25,000 each in the 2026 cycle. Apply online October 1 through October 31, 2026; awards notified mid-December 2026. Partnership of the Zoetis Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation to reduce veterinary student debt.

The Rhett and Link Engineering Innovation Scholarship, funded by NC State alumni Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, supports NC State engineering sophomores and juniors with two years of coursework remaining who demonstrate creativity and innovation in engineering, sciences, arts, entertainment, or their intersection. The award provides up to $25,000 per year toward the cost of attendance. Applicants submit a 500-word essay and a two-minute video essay showcasing their innovative work. Eligible majors include College of Engineering programs plus biological engineering, paper science and engineering, and textile engineering.