Clare Boothe Luce Scholarships for Women in the Physical Sciences

The College of the Holy Cross has recently received a major grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to promote women undergraduates to major in the physical sciences, including mathematics, computer science, physics, and chemistry. 

Beginning in the 2010-2011 academic year, the Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship will be awarded to two women majoring in the physical sciences who are entering their fourth year of study at the College. The scholarship will be cover tuition, room, and board and fees. In addition, the College will support Luce Scholars with paid research fellowships during the summer prior to the start of their senior year.

Luce Scholarship Qualifications: Scholars must be declared majors in mathematics, computer science, physics, or chemistry. All candidates must be citizens of the United States.

Selection Process:

1. In January, a committee will be appointed by Father McFarland, comprised of the Chairs of the Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, and Chemistry, the College Science Coordinator, and the Grants Officer. The committee will solicit nominations of promising women undergraduates for this scholarship.

2. The faculty members of these departments will examine transcripts of their third year women majors. In addition to GPA, students will be evaluated in terms of research experience and their desire to pursue and potential to succeed in a career in physical science. Each Department may recommend up to four nominees to the committee.

3. The committee will review application materials and invite the five best candidates for an interview. Invitations for an application will be made in early March.

Application Materials:

1. Nominees will prepare a 1-2 page letter of personal interest describing their interest in their discipline and their future goals.

2. Letters of recommendation must be submitted from at least three science faculty members, one of whom is identified as a research mentor for the student applicant. The research mentor should also include a plan for professional development of their student while at Holy Cross.

3. If invited for an interview, the student applicant should prepare a 5 to 10 minute presentation, followed by a 10 to 15 session for questions from the committee members.

4. Final decisions regarding the Luce Scholarships will be made in April.

Related Information:

Holy Cross Magazine feature on Clare Boothe Luce Scholarships