Scholarships, Awards, and Financial Assistance
General Information
Scholarships are awarded competitively among students who achieve academic merit and/or have financial need. Scholarships are typically awarded to junior, and senior students; however, we do offer a few scholarships to incoming freshman. You do not need to apply for Meteorology and Atmospheric Science scholarships. The eligible GPA changes from year to year, but in general, scholarships to juniors and seniors are not normally awarded if the GPA is below 3.0, except in extenuating circumstances.
The Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science's scholarship and awards committee distributes approximately $100,000 in scholarships and awards each academic year. Scholarships are typically distributed prior to the beginning of the Fall semester and awards are usually given in the Spring (in conjunction with the Department's Spring Banquet), with a few exceptions.
For a complete list of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science scholarships and awards, visit the links below.
Tips for writing a scholarship or award thank you letter (by Penn State Office of Student Aid)
- Tips for writing a scholarship or award thank you letter
- Form for students to submit their information to scholarship donors.
How to Apply
Applications are not required for Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science scholarships, however, if you want to be eligible for the Earth and Mineral Sciences scholarships, you must complete the EMS scholarship application every year by April 15. The EMS scholarship application form is available from the EMS Student Center in 25 Deike Building or can be completed online using the link below.
College of EMS Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
Financial aid—whether in the form of loans, grants, work-study, grants, or scholarships—can be an important part of putting a Penn State degree within reach. Penn State and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences have numerous resources and ways to help eligible students and their families help pay for a Penn State education. Through the generosity of our alumni and friends, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences provides financial aid to our students in good academic standing and awards nearly 500 scholarships annually.
Gregory S. Jenkins Emergency Assistance Fund
Emergency grants are awarded to students who encounter extraordinary events or circumstances that could negatively affect their ability to continue their studies in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. Emergency grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis and can be given to a student no more than once per academic year. Limited funding is available.
External (to Penn State) Scholarships and Awards
- American Meteorological Society Scholarships & Awards
- The June Bacon-Bercey Scholarship in Atmospheric Sciences for Women (agu.org)NASA Office of Education Scholarship and Research Opportunities
- National Weather Association (NWA) Scholarships and Awards
- NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program
- IBP Pathways to Science Searchable Database -The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP) is to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce.
- Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium The Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium is opening up applications for graduate fellowship and undergraduate scholarship programs at Penn State University.
- SMART Scholarship-for-service Program