Special Contributor
Thank you to TechStar for contributing to the ISA Houston Section scholarship fund!
2024/2025 ISA – Houston Section Scholarship Guidelines
The ISA Houston Section Scholarship provides supplementary funding to students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees. Awards vary annually based on available funds. Please review the guidelines and requirements below to ensure eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Enrollment Requirements
Applicants must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours for undergraduates; 9+ credit hours for graduates) at an accredited technical school, college, or university located in any U.S. state for the Fall 2025 semester. Eligible programs include bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees. Submit a copy of your most recent transcript to verify active student status. GPA is not considered in the scholarship selection.
Active ISA volunteer contributions may be considered in lieu of a few credit hours if needed. Proof of participation (picture, sign-up sheet, badge) must be provided for credit hour requirements to be waived.
2. Recommendation Letter
Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, mentor, or similar individual familiar with your achievements and character. Family members or guardians may not provide letters. The letter must be submitted directly from the recommender’s email to president@houstonisa.org by the application deadline.
3. Essay or Video Submission
Option 1: Essay: Submit a 500-word essay describing your academic and career goals, how this scholarship will help you achieve them, and the impact of this support on your education and career growth. Include any unique experiences, inspirations, or challenges that have shaped your path in STEM.
Option 2: Video: Alternatively, submit a two-minute video covering the same topics: your academic and career goals, how the scholarship will support you, and any unique experiences or inspirations influencing your journey in STEM.
4. ISA Engagement
List any ISA-related events you attended in 2024/2025, such as section or student section meetings, fundraisers, or other ISA events. This will serve as bonus criteria for evaluation. Proof of participation is required (picture, sign-up sheet, badge).
5. ISA Membership
The ISA Houston Section will cover a one-year ISA membership for all scholarship recipients. This will include a student membership for those who are still eligible or a full membership for recent graduates
6. Photo for Publication
If selected, you will be asked to provide a clear, recent “face-only” photo, which will be used in the ISA Houston Section Newsletter and on the website.
Application Submission
Deadline
Applications must be submitted online by May 1, 2025, at https://www.houstonisa.org/scholarship-application/.
Award Notification
Scholarships are awarded based on a comprehensive review of each application, totaling 100 points with an additional 5 bonus points. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows:
Career Goals and Vision (0-40 points):
Evaluated through the essay or video submission, this category assesses the clarity, ambition, and specificity of your academic and career goals. Strong applications will clearly articulate STEM aspirations and explain how the scholarship will help overcome challenges and enable progress.
Essay or Video Quality (0-30 points):
This category evaluates the quality and engagement of the essay or video, including your ability to communicate effectively, organize thoughts, and convey personal motivation. Strong submissions will be well-structured, reflective, and sincere.
Letter of Recommendation (0-15 points):
Recommendations should speak to your character, academic commitment, and community involvement. Strong letters will emphasize potential for success and personal integrity.
Extracurricular Achievements (0-15 points):
This category assesses involvement in school clubs, volunteer work, leadership roles, or other extracurricular activities, especially those related to STEM or community service.
ISA Engagement (Bonus: 5 points per event/activity):
Engagement in ISA events, volunteer activities, or student section activities can earn bonus points. This is the least weighted category but reflects our commitment to fostering an active ISA community.
Award Meeting: Scholarship recipients and two guests will be invited to attend an award meeting or dinner hosted by ISA-Houston Section. Details will be announced closer to the event.
Scholarship Funds
Payment: Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the college or university’s financial aid office and may be applied toward tuition, fees, textbooks, and associated expenses. Ensure you provide the correct financial aid office address and student number.
Scholarship Amount:
-1st Place: $12,000.00
-2nd Place: $8,000.00
-3rd-6th Places: $5,000.00
Important Dates
-Application Opens: January 1, 2025
-Deadline for Submission: May 1, 2025
-Results Announced: June 1, 2025
Contact
For further questions, please contact: scholarships@houstonisa.org