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Beckman Scholars Program

Eligibility and Timeline

Thank you for your interest in the Beckman Scholars Program! Please review the information below regarding eligibility, timelines and the application process. The impact of the award on the applicant, the intellectual merit of the candidate, and the merit of the proposed project will all be considered equally during the Scholar selection process. 

Required Criteria for 2027 Applicants:

  • Must be a full-time Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or Biochemistry undergraduate student
  • Have strong academic skills/GPA
  • Possess previous research experience. Applicants should have previous research experience and skills to apply for this intensive program. Examples include doing an independent research project in a faculty lab, conducting a detailed research project for a course or internship.
  • Can commit to 15-month continuous research program from June 2027 through August 2028
    • 10 weeks paid full time work during summer 2027 and summer 2028
    • 10 hrs per week commitment during fall 2027 and spring 2028 semesters
    • attend Beckman Scholars Annual Conference in August 2027 and present in August 2028
  • Have sophomore or junior status (rising seniors may also be eligible if can commit to full program timeline)
  • Be a US citizen, permanent resident of the US or its possessions, or possess DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient status
  • Intent to pursue advanced science degree (MS, PhD, MD, MD/PhD) or other similar scientific pursuits

We encourage applications from Scholars who have taken a variety of pathways to higher education studies in STEM, may have overcome financial challenges, lacked access to early education in STEM, and/or who may not have had role models in science who reflected their own experiences.

2027 Application Timeline:

The application process involves initial material submission, followed by more information gathered from selected finalists. Application review begins Feb 15 but are accepted on a rolling basis until scholars are selected:

  • Monday Feb 15: Initial Application due for priority review
  • Monday March 1: Priority finalists notified for interviews and to request Round 2 additional materials
  • Monday April 5: Beckman Scholars announced
  • ~early June: Beckman Scholar Program begins with Summer Scholars Program