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
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
Applying to NSF REUs: November 7th, 12-1pm, McNeil 315, Presenter: Dr. Lakshmi Krishna, Register Here
Dr. Lakshmi Krishna, Director of Undergraduate Research Scholars, will be discussing tips and guidelines for applying to NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). REUs are paid summer research experiences for STEM undergraduate students at university labs across the nation.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session, Wednesday, November 19th 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
DOD SMART Drop-In Feedback Session, Wednesday, November 24th 2-5pm, Green Center 220, RSVP here
Calling all DOD SMART Scholarship applicants! The deadline is quickly approaching on December 5th, 2025. Stop by this feedback session to get a final look over your application materials by the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. You're also welcome to hang out and work on your essays. This event will take place in Green Center 220.
Past 2025-2026 Events
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Information Session, Monday, October 27th from 3:00-3:50pm, Zoom, Register Here
Interested in learning a new language while studying abroad this summer — at no cost to you? The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers fully-funded summer language programs in countries around the world to help students rapidly advance their language skills in high-demand languages. Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships for an information session to learn more about the program, eligibility, the application process, and tips for crafting a strong application. All undergraduate and graduate students—regardless of major or language background—are encouraged to attend!
Show Me the Money: Mastering the Scholarship Search, Wednesday, October 29th from 4:30-5:30pm, McNeil 213 Register Here
Looking for ways to fund research, study abroad, graduate school, and more? Join Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships for an overview of effective search strategies. In this session, we'll explore top scholarship databases, discuss effective search keywords, and ultimately equip you with practical tools and insider tips to make your scholarship search more focused and successful. Ideal for undergraduate and graduate students at any stage looking to support their academic and professional journey.
Visit from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI): How to Create a Competitive Application to Graduate Programs in the STEM Fields
Date and Time: October 30th, 3:30-4:30pm
Presenter: Tori Stagnitta, Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions at RPI
Location: McNeil 213
Tori Stagnitta, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), will deliver a presentation on creating competitive applications to STEM graduate programs (MS and PhD), and will also discuss STEM graduate education at RPI. Attend to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the graduate admissions process and to ask questions of a graduate admissions professional.
Goldwater Information Session and Alumni Panel: Wednesday, September 3rd 2025, 4-5pm, McNeil 214, Register 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.
Federal Funding for Graduate Study: NSF-GRF, NDSEG, DOD SMART, and more, Thursday, September 4th from 12-1pm, McNeil 314, Register Here
Curious about how to fund your graduate studies through federal fellowships? Join Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships for an overview of major federally funded opportunities that support graduate education in STEM and beyond. Learn about eligibility, application timelines, and how to strengthen your application. Ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students exploring competitive funding options from agencies like the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense.
Gilman Scholarship Information Session, Thursday, September 4th, 3-4pm, 1706 Illinois St., Register Here
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 October 3rd, for study abroad programs that begin between December 1, 2025 and October 31, 2026.
NSF GRF (National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship) Drop-In Event: Work Time & Feedback Giving, Tuesday, September 30th 4-6pm and Tuesday, October 7th, 3-5pm, 1706 Illinois St, Register Here
Calling all NSF-GRF applicants! Come by 1706 Illinois St. to receive feedback on your statement drafts from the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. This is a drop-in style event.
Reflections on International Research Experience: Student Voices
Date and Time: Thursday, October 9th, 4-5pm, Register Here
Location: McNeil 213
Three current undergraduate students will be sharing their experience of conducting research abroad this past summer, reflecting on lessons learned, and making recommendations for future students interested in researching abroad. Jude Lowe will discuss geophysics research in Belgium, Noah Link will discuss an NSF IRES project with Prof. Juan Lucena in Colombia, and Max Fineman will discuss a summer research-focused trip to Germany and Poland with the Office of Global Education, called “Thinking Research? Think Europe.” Students considering research experiences abroad in the future will be particularly interested in attending.
Research Abroad Opportunities: Monday, October 13th 4-5pm, Alderson 134, Register Here
Want to conduct research abroad, but not sure where to look to get started? Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships for a presentation on opportunities to do funded research abroad. Attendees will come away with an understanding of fellowship programs for research abroad. Fellowships discussed include the DAAD RISE program, MITACS-Globalink through Fulbright Canada, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and more.
Boren Awards Information Session: Wednesday, October 15th, 12-1pm, 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.
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
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.
Becoming a Competitive Applicant, Part 3: Writing a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School, Fellowship Applications, and More, Wednesday, February 26th, 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.
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.
Scholarships for Graduate Study, Research Opportunities, Work Abroad, and More! Monday, March 3rd, 12-1pm, Alderson 162, RSVP here.
Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships to learn about various awards supported by the Office that fund graduate study, research opportunities, work abroad, language study, and more.
Fulbright Program Alumni Panel & Information Session, Tuesday, April 22nd 4-5pm, MOVED TO ZOOM: https://mines.zoom.us/my/ashley.weibel
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, including Isaac Pope and Caitlyn Castellion, 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.
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 & Nationally Competitive Scholarships, at ashley.weibel@mines.edu , or submit an Advising Intake Form, 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.








