Overview
The Neuroscience Foundation is proud to announce the Action Potential (AP) Scholarship, designed to empower and support aspiring neuroscientists worldwide. This scholarship aims to foster a diverse and passionate community of young researchers who will contribute to advancing the field of neuroscience and improving neurological care globally.
Eligibility Criteria
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Open to current high school seniors or current undergraduate first-year students
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Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in neuroscience at an accredited four-year college or university
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International applications are welcome; there are no geographic restrictions
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Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
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Preference given to applicants from underrepresented groups in neuroscience
Award Distribution
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Two scholarships of 1,000 USD each will be awarded.
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The scholarship is paid directly to your university and can be used for tuition.
Timeline
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Application Opens: November 1, 2024​
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Application Deadline: January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST​
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Winners Announced: March 15, 2025
HOW TO APPLY
You will need to complete the online application form. Before beginning, you should compile the following materials:
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CV/Resume - a one-page list of your education, experience, and other relevant history (tip: a plain black and white resume will suffice, appearance will not be a factor)
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Unofficial or official transcript - a list of all high school/collegiate coursework, grades, and overall GPA (can also be screenshots of your grade history that reflects your overall GPA)
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Personal statement - a statement that describes your interest in neuroscience (Maximum of 750 words, prompt included below)
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Video - a one-minute video where you tell us about yourself
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Letter of recommendation - a letter from one of your teachers or mentors that advocates for your character (guidelines included below)
Personal Statement
Tell us why you are interested in pursuing an education in neuroscience. How did you discover your interest? What experiences have you had related to or unrelated to neuroscience that have strengthened your passion? What is your vision for the future? Please write a single cohesive essay that includes these points.
Letter of Recommendation Guidelines
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Choose a recommender who can speak to your character, work ethic, and/or passion for science/neuroscience
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Select someone who has known you for a sufficient length of time and in a relevant capacity (e.g., teacher, research mentor, volunteer supervisor)
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Your recommender should be able to provide specific examples of your achievements, leadership abilities, and personal growth
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The letter must be submitted on official letterhead (school, organization, or institution) and include a handwritten signature
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The letter must be emailed directly by the recommender to contact@neurosciencefoundation.org by January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a thorough multi-stage review process. Initially, senior members of the Neuroscience Foundation team will evaluate all submissions to identify top candidates.
These selected applications will then advance to our distinguished selection committee, comprising 4-6 researchers, physicians, and/or graduate students in the field of neuroscience.
The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on three key criteria:
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Demonstrated passion and commitment to the study of neuroscience
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Authenticity of personal narrative
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Potential for impact and community service in the field
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Stay tuned for an exciting reveal of our selection committee members, who represent various areas of expertise within the neuroscience field!