Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
To provide service-conditioned scholarships to individuals from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who agree to pursue undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Individuals must pursue a course of academic study that prepares them for professions needed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH expects to facilitate interest of these individuals in pursuing careers in the biomedical/biobehavioral sciences at the NIH.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. Federal Government
An eligible applicant must be (1) A U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident; (2) enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited undergraduate institution (4 year school) of higher education; (3) from a financially disadvantaged background as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (4) in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.3 or be in the top 5 percent) with his/her educational institution; and (5) submit an application to participate in the Undergraduate Scholarship (UGS) Program; (6) agree to serve as a full-time NIH employee for not less than 10 consecutive weeks of each year during which the individual is attending the educational institution and receiving a scholarship; (7) agree to serve as a full-time NIH employee for 12 months for each academic year during which the scholarship was provided, not later than 60 days after obtaining his or her academic degree, unless a service deferment is granted.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Priority will be given to applicants who are prior recipients. The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program Committee will review, rank, and approve or disapprove applications submitted for program participation. Criteria which determine competitive ranking for awards may include: (1) career goal in biomedical/biobehavioral research; (2) academic performance; and (3) letters of recommendation. A student's financial need alone does not affect selection. Applicants approved for award will be notified by the Program Director. The Secretary, and his/her designee will sign the service contract of approved applicants, provide a copy to the participant and under graduate institution notice of approved award amount. Scholarship payments, including room and board, books, fees and transportation are made to the college or university for dispersal.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
The approximate time for approval/disapproval is 3 months.
Program details & compliance
Description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
Mission Categories
Primary: STEM Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
This program will provide scholarships to individuals who have completed their first academic term of studies at an accredited 4-year undergraduate institution of higher education. Recipients must be full-time students and who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each award recipient must agree by written contract to serve as a full-time NIH employee for not less than 10 consecutive weeks during the summer immediately following the year of the award. No later than 60 days after obtaining a qualified educational degree, each recipient must begin serving as a full-time NIH employee for one year in exchange for each year of NIH scholarship support (a deferment of the service obligation may be obtained if the Director, NIH, determines that such is appropriate). Applicants must submit a proposed academic program for each academic year and agree that this program will not be altered without prior approval. The applicant must be in good academic (maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3) standing with their educational institution for continuation under the scholarship program. Maximum scholarship per academic year is $20,000. Scholarship funds may only be used for tuition expenses and qualified educational and living expenses incurred while attending school.
Restrictions
Scholarship award funding can only be used to support qualifying educational expenses as determined by the university.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit documentation of the following, as appropriate: (1) Verification of enrollment or acceptance to a 4-year accredited institution of higher education (4 year university); (2) a proposed academic program for the school year; (3) certification from the academic institution that the applicant is in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.3, or be in the top 5 percent); (4) certification from the academic institution that the applicant qualifies for participation in an educational assistance program for individuals from financially disadvantaged backgrounds as defined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and (5) other documentation as may be required by law, statute, or regulation.
Reporting & Compliance
Formula
Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for the Scholarship Program, the Director may, at his/her discretion, award scholarships under this part for a period of one, two, or three academic years.