Scholarship & Mentorship
Description
The Moonshot Dreamers Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, African American men, who are high school seniors or current first generation undergraduate/graduate students from low-income households pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) degrees.
Award
Scholars will receive $3,000 in funding for the cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar's college or university. This is currently a one-time scholarship award for the Fall 2024 semester.
*Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
Who is a Moonshot Dreamer?
A Moonshot Dreamer is an individual whose ambitions far exceed the cards they were dealt in life. They are not necessarily an "A-type" student. Moonshot Dreamers make do with what they have and work their way towards a better life through hard work, discipline, and persistence. Moonshot Dreamers are big thinkers and doers. They are individuals that want to positively impact their community and genuinely believe they are crazy enough to change the world, but just need a little push. And that is what we aim to achieve through scholarship and mentorship.
How to Apply
You don't. We will find and get in contact with you, similarly to how college sports recruit their prospective student-athletes. We will be working with school districts, individual schools, counselors, coaches, diversity centers, community leaders, etc. to find student nominees. If you've already done the work and demonstrated great character our aim is to find you. If you would like someone to nominate you, send them the form below.
Basic Eligibility
To be considered, students must be:
A high school senior or current undergraduate/graduate student
African American male
First-generation college student*
Pell-eligible
A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
Pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) degrees
If high school senior, in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
If current undergraduate or graduate student, in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.05 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Additionally, a student must plan to enroll or be currently enrolled full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
*First-generation college student means that you are the first person in your immediate family to attend college
Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate will have:
An outstanding academic record
If high school senior (top 20% of graduating class)
If current undergraduate or graduate student (maintain above 3.0 GPA during college career)
Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
How to Nominate a Student
Complete the form below or use link here :
Scholarship Process
First Round - One 15-20 minute interview with the nominator.
Second Round - One 15-20 minute interview with the nominated student.
Scholarship recipient search start date
8/1/2024
Scholarship recipient search end date
9/27/2024
Scholarship recipient announcement date
9/27/2024
Note to reader
This scholarship is intended for individuals who need a nudge in the right direction. It is intended for someone who has consistently chosen a positive path when positive has not always been an abundant option. This scholarship is not necessarily for the "A-type" of student or the student with abundant resources. This scholarship is not intended for any friends or families of the Moonshot Dreamer's board members or scholarship committee.
Donate to Scholarship Fund
Founder/President- Gus Jenkins
Gus was born and raised in Philadelphia. After graduating from G.W. Carver High School for Engineering & Science, Gus was accepted into Villanova University via the AAP program. At Villanova, Gus studied Mechanical Engineering. After graduating from Villanova, Gus attended Carnegie Mellon University where he received dual masters' degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Engineering & Technology Innovation Management. Gus is a professional Software Engineer and entrepreneur. Throughout his journey, he met individuals that were generous with their time, resources, and kindness that helped nudge him in the right direction and break through barriers that were in his path. As a result he started Moonshot Dreams to give back. In his spare time he enjoys reading, salsa dancing, and playing basketball.
Instagram: Moonshot Dreamers