Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Welcome to Nationally Competitive Scholarships!
Nationally Competitive Scholarships is here to assist you through all stages of the application process for competitive national and international scholarships and fellowships. Our office is passionate about supporting the aspirations of all Mines students – undergraduate, graduate, and alumni. We serve as an advocate for the development of your academic goals, intellectual breadth, and personal interests.
Scholar Highlights
When Study Abroad and Undergraduate Research Collide: A Student’s Summer Journey to Germany
Above left: Pamela Banuelos at Dr. Helmut Wieser’s Mechanical Engineering laboratory at the University of Augsburg in Augsburg, Germany Above right: Pamela Banuelos visiting the famous Nueschwanstein Castle in Southern Germany November 2024 – Pamela Banuelos, a ... Read More
Three Mines Faculty Selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for 2024-2025
University Contact: Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Contact: ECA-Press@state.gov Three Mines Faculty Selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for 2024-2025 June 13, 2024 — Kevin Cash, an Associate ... Read More
Carter Gonzalez from Colorado School of Mines Awarded DoD SMART Scholarship
Golden, CO [May 28, 2024] – Carter Gonzalez, a 4+1 B.S./M.S. student at Colorado School of Mines was awarded the Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. SMART is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focused ... Read More
Three Mines Students Awarded Gilman International Scholarship to Study Abroad in 2024-2025 Academic Year
May 2024 – The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships at Colorado School of Mines is pleased to announce that three Mines students are among the American undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the United States selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman ... Read More
Richard Jung Receives Prestigious Boren Scholarship to Study Abroad in Japan
(Golden, CO, April 26, 2024) Richard Jung has been awarded a Boren Scholarship to study in Japan during the 2024-2025 academic year. Richard is currently an undergraduate student in Design Engineering with a focus on Corporate Sustainability. He will study Japanese during his time ... Read More
Mines PhD Student, Carmen Villarruel, Named Alternate for 2024-2025 Fulbright U.S. Student Program
(Golden, CO, May 1, 2024) Colorado School of Mines’ Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships is pleased to announce that Carmen Villarruel, an Environmental Biogeochemistry PhD student, has been named an Alternate for the 2024-2025 Fulbright U.S. Student Program ... Read More
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines
Boren Graduate Fellowship
Boren Undergraduate Scholarship
NOAA Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship
Scholarship and Fellowship Resources
Why apply for a nationally competitive scholarship?
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Clarify your understanding of the problems you want to solve in your career, your postgraduate goals, and how to articulate those goals.
- Improve your writing skills and gain familiarity with grant writing, a skill that you’ll likely use throughout your career.
- Nurture close faculty relationships and benefit from the resulting mentorship and letters of recommendation.
- Distinguish your resume and enhance your career when you enter the job market.
Open New Doors
Explore all Scholarships and FellowshipsUpcoming Events
Becoming a Competitive Applicant, Part 1: Personal Statements Workshop, Wednesday January 22nd, 12-1pm, McNeil 215, RSVP here.
Personal Statements are a crucial component of scholarship, research and graduate school applications, offering applicants an opportunity to distinguish themselves beyond grades and test scores. These concise essays serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future, providing insight into one's character, motivations, and the alignment of their goals with the institution or position sought. In this workshop Ashley Weibel, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Scholars and Nationally Competitive Scholarships, shares strategies for writing effective personal statements as well as exercises for unlocking your creativity and originality in the writing process. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the art of weaving together personal experiences, professional achievements, and future goals to articulate a narrative that resonates with selection committees and potential mentors.
Funded Study Abroad Opportunities, Tuesday, February 11th, 4-5pm, Marquez 222, RSVP here.
Want to study, research, or work abroad, but not sure how to fund the experience? Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships and the Office of Global Education for a presentation on opportunities to get funding towards your plans to study, research, and work abroad. Attendees will come away with an understanding of scholarships and fellowships for abroad experiences, as well as the support they can expect to receive from Mines’ Office of Global Education before, during, and after studying abroad. Scholarships covered include the Gilman Scholarship, Boren Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, and more!
Becoming a Competitive Applicant, Part 2: How to Get the Most Out of Your Letters of Recommendation, Wednesday, February 12th, 12-1pm, McNeil 215, RSVP here.
Letters of recommendation are a key part of nearly any scholarship application process - graduate schools, study abroad programs, national funding organizations, and private scholarship foundations all require reference letters as part of their application processes. Too often, applicants assume that their role in procuring letters of recommendation starts and ends with a simple "ask." However, in this session, Ashley Weibel of the Office of Nationally Competitive Fellowships will discuss ways in which attendees can strategically choose reference writers and how they can help their reference writers to write the strongest letter possible by providing the needed context surrounding the award, selection criteria, and the applicant's relevant experiences and skills. Attendees will come away with the hands-on understanding of how they can get the most out of their letters of recommendation moving forward.
Gilman Scholarship Information Session & Alumni Panel, Thursday, February 13th, 4-4:45pm, Zoom
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant. The award provides up to $5,000 to study abroad. Students must apply by March 6th, for study abroad programs that begin between May 1st, 2025 and April 30th, 2026.
During this event, learn about the Gilman Scholarship and the application process, and hear from the experiences of previous Mines Gilman Scholars. Register for information session here.
Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Office Hours, Wednesday, February 26th, 9am-12pm and Wednesday, March 5th, 9am-12pm, Honors House
Drop-in to the Honors House (1704 Illinois St.) to meet with the Mines Gilman Advisor, Ashley Weibel, to get your Gilman essay drafts reviewed and questions answered.
Becoming a Competitive Applicant, Part 3: Writing a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School, Fellowship Applications, and More, Wednesday, February 12th, 12-1pm, McNeil 215, RSVP here.
Statements of Purpose are a crucial component of scholarship, research and graduate school applications, offering applicants an opportunity to convince a selection committee that they are qualified for the program and that they are a good fit for their program’s focus and goals. In this workshop, Ashley Weibel of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships shares strategies for writing effective statements of purpose. Attendees will walk away from this workshop with the knowledge and confidence to begin to write a statement of purpose for various applications including graduate school, fellowship applications, and more.
Scholarships for Graduate Study in the US, UK, and Beyond Monday, March 3rd, 12-1pm, Alderson 162, RSVP here.
Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships to learn about various awards that fund graduate study in the U.K., including the Marshall Scholarship, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship, Fulbright UK, and Mitchell Scholarship.
Fulbright Program Alumni Panel & Information Session, Tuesday, April 22nd 4-5pm, Coorstek 150, RSVP here.
Discover how the Fulbright U.S. Student Program opens doors to collaborative research, teaching, graduate study, and cultural immersion in countries around the world. During this event, Ashley Weibel, the Mines Fulbright Program Advisor and head of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, will provide an overview of the Fulbright Program and discuss how to craft a compelling application. Additionally, Ellie Miller, recent Fulbright grantee to Denmark, will discuss her experience applying to and embarking on a Fulbright grant. Attendees will walk away empowered to take the first steps towards their Fulbright application
Goldwater Scholarship Panel and Information Session, Wednesday, April 23rd, 12-1pm, McNeil 215, RSVP here.
The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes sophomores and juniors who are committed to pursuing a career in STEM research, and who show the potential to be leaders in their respective fields. During this event, Ashley Weibel, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Scholars and Nationally Competitive Scholarships, will provide an overview of the Goldwater Scholarship and discuss how to craft a compelling application. The session also features a panel of previous Mines Goldwater Scholars who will share their firsthand accounts of the application process and the transformative impact of the Goldwater Scholarship on their academic and professional trajectories. Attendees will walk away empowered to take the first steps toward becoming a successful Goldwater applicant.
Past 2024-2025 Events
Boren Awards Information Session, October 16th, 12-1pm Mountain Time, Zoom - Register Here
Undergraduate Students: Boren Scholarships provide up to $25,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad.
Graduate Students: Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 to U.S. graduate students to add an important international and language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or increased language proficiency. Boren Fellowships support study and research in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session, Wednesday, November 20th 12-1pm, Zoom, RSVP here.
Discover how the Fulbright U.S. Student Program opens doors to collaborative research, teaching, graduate study, and cultural immersion in countries around the world. During this event, a representative from the Fulbright Program will provide an overview of the Fulbright Program and discuss how to craft a compelling application. Additionally, Ashley Weibel, the Mines Fulbright Program Advisor and head of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, will discuss Mines specific processes and deadlines Attendees will walk away empowered to take the first steps towards their Fulbright application
2023-2024 Events
Personal Statements Workshop, Wednesday January 24th, 12-1pm, McNeil 314, RSVP here.
Personal Statements are a crucial component of scholarship, research and graduate school applications, offering applicants an opportunity to distinguish themselves beyond grades and test scores. These concise essays serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future, providing insight into one's character, motivations, and the alignment of their goals with the institution or position sought. In this workshop Ashley Weibel, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Scholars and Nationally Competitive Scholarships, shares strategies for writing effective personal statements as well as exercises for unlocking your creativity and originality in the writing process. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the art of weaving together personal experiences, professional achievements, and future goals to articulate a narrative that resonates with selection committees and potential mentors.
Funded Study Abroad Opportunities, Tuesday, February 6th, 4-5pm, Marquez 226, RSVP here.
Want to study, research, or work abroad, but not sure how to fund the experience? Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships and the Office of Global Education for a presentation on opportunities to get funding towards your plans to study, research, and work abroad. Attendees will come away with an understanding of scholarships and fellowships for abroad experiences, as well as the support they can expect to receive from Mines’ Office of Global Education before, during, and after studying abroad. Scholarships covered include the Gilman Scholarship, Boren Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, and more!
Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships Open House and Info Session @ the MEP House, Wednesday, February 7th, 11:30am-12:30pm, MEP House
Join us at the MEP House to learn about the work of Nationally Competitive Scholarships in supporting undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni in applying to a variety of nationally competitive awards! Nationally Competitive Scholarships is a program of University Honors & Scholars (UHS).
Gilman Scholarship Information Session, Thursday, February 8th, 4-4:45pm, Zoom
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant. The award provides up to $5,000 to study abroad. Students must apply by March 7th, for study abroad programs that begin between May 1st, 2024 and April 30th, 2025. Register for information session here.
Nationally Competitive Scholarships Open House, Thursday, February 15th, 4:30-5:30, Honors House, RSVP here.
Join us at our open house event to learn about the work of Nationally Competitive Scholarships in supporting undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni in applying to a variety of nationally competitive awards! We will have snacks, activities, and informal chatting. Mingle with scholarship recipients, interested students, staff, and faculty, grab a bite, and enjoy learning more about our opportunities. Nationally Competitive Scholarships is a program of University Honors & Scholars (UHS).
Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Office Hours, Wednesday, February 28th, 9am-12pm and Thursday, February 29th, 2pm-5pm, Honors House
Drop-in to the Honors House (1704 Illinois St.) to meet with the Mines Gilman Advisor, Ashley Weibel, to get your Gilman essay drafts reviewed and questions answered.
Scholarships for Graduate Study in the UK, Wednesday, March 6th, 12-1pm, McNeil 216, RSVP here.
Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships to learn about various awards that fund graduate study in the U.K., including the Marshall Scholarship, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship, Fulbright UK, and Mitchell Scholarship.
Virtual Fulbright Information Session with Fulbright Staff, Thursday, April 4th, 2-3pm, Zoom, RSVP here.
Goldwater Scholarship Panel and Information Session, Wednesday, April 10th, 4-5pm, McNeil 313, RSVP here.
The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes sophomores and juniors who are committed to pursuing a career in STEM research, and who show the potential to be leaders in their respective fields. During this event, Ashley Weibel, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Scholars and Nationally Competitive Scholarships, will provide an overview of the Goldwater Scholarship and discuss how to craft a compelling application. The session also features a panel of previous Mines Goldwater Scholars who will share their firsthand accounts of the application process and the transformative impact of the Goldwater Scholarship on their academic and professional trajectories. Attendees will walk away empowered to take the first steps toward becoming a successful Goldwater applicant.
Schwarzman Scholars Information Session with Tom Tomezsko (Schwarzman Admissions Officer), April 11th, 4-5pm, Student Center Earth Room (E136), RSVP here
Schwarzman Scholars is pleased to announce an info session for prospective applicants. Anchored in a fully-funded 10-month Master’s Degree in Global Affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, we are seeking high-caliber applicants who will represent the world’s next generation of leaders. If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that we are all far more interconnected than we ever realized. Global challenges require global solutions and leaders who are well-informed and well-equipped to develop them. With a front row seat to global crisis leadership and practical opportunities to construct interdisciplinary solutions, Schwarzman Scholars are better positioned to succeed and more in demand around the world than ever before. Schwarzman Scholars is open to students and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 28 years old, regardless of nationality, who are proficient in English and have obtained an undergraduate degree. Applicants from all academic disciplines and career paths are eligible. For more details on eligibility, refer to our website.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Information Session, Monday, April 22nd, 4-5pm, Honors House (1704 Illinios St), RSVP here.
Interested in graduate studies at Stanford University? The Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is designed to build a multidisciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Each year the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program identifies a group of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue a wide-ranging graduate education at Stanford. As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you may pursue an education in any of Stanford's graduate programs including master's and doctoral degrees. Join Rachel Rosten, Director of Admissions of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, for an information session.
Fulbright Program Alumni Panel & Information Session, Wednesday, April 24th 4-5pm, Coorstek 150, RSVP here.
Discover how the Fulbright U.S. Student Program opens doors to collaborative research, teaching, graduate study, and cultural immersion in countries around the world. During this event, Ashley Weibel, the Mines Fulbright Program Advisor and head of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, will provide an overview of the Fulbright Program and discuss how to craft a compelling application. Additionally, Ellie Miller, recent Fulbright grantee to Denmark, will discuss her experience applying to and embarking on a Fulbright grant. Attendees will walk away empowered to take the first steps towards their Fulbright application
Fulbright Writing Bootcamps, Every Wednesday 4-5pm in June, July, August, Join via Zoom here
These weekly 1-hour Zoom "Fulbright Writing Bootcamps" are optional support sessions for Mines Fulbright applicants to:
- Have a regular, dedicated time and space to work on their Fulbright application
- Receive feedback on essay drafts from me*
- Ask questions about the application
- Collaboratively brainstorm essay content
*Depending on attendance, peer review might also be engaged in.
You are welcome to attend one or all sessions. No sign-up is required and drop-ins are welcome. Join weekly via Zoom room linked above.
Contact Us
Want to learn more or considering applying to a scholarship or fellowship listed on the website? Contact Ashley Weibel, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Scholars & Nationally Competitive Scholarships, at ashley.weibel@mines.edu to book an appointment.
LOOKING AHEAD TO MINES@150
As Colorado School of Mines prepares for our 150th anniversary in 2024, dynamic and disruptive change is all around us. MINES@150 is our plan to position Mines for future success.
It calls for change, but also to stay true to our timeless mission, pillars and core values. MINES@150 leverages our size, location, and history, ensuring that our graduates will continue to be distinctive and highly valued, placing Mines at the frontiers of STEM education, research and innovation, and elevating our status among the world’s top universities.