Ecology and Data Science (EDS) Scholars Program

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Four-year Scholarships Are Just The Beginning

The new Ecology & Data Science (EDS) Scholars Program offers a range of generous and innovative support for high-achieving students in specific science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

Selected students will receive:

  • A scholarship of up to $10,000 per year for four years (up to $40,000 total scholarship), plus additional housing stipends
  • A new laptop computer pre-loaded with software 
  • Dedicated faculty mentoring, coaching, peer mentoring, and the support of other EDS Scholars
  • Paid summer research opportunities, paid conference travel, and paid on-campus job opportunities
  • Nature-based wellness outings, plus other ecology and data themed extracurricular activities

Who is eligible to become an EDS Scholar?

If you are accepted for admission to St. Edward’s University and meet the criteria outlined below, we encourage you to apply for the EDS Scholars Program.

Your proposed major is:

  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Environmental Biology & Climate Change
  • Environmental Science & Policy

At least one of these measures applies to your academic performance:

  • High school GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Top 25% of graduating class
  • SAT score of 1124 or higher
  • ACT score of 24 or higher

Based on your level of financial need, you are eligible for the Pell Grant. (If you're not sure if you quality, we can help you find out. Just email us and include your St. Edward’s student ID number.)

The final criteria for eligibility is that you are either a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, national, or lawfully admitted refugee.

Student in an Ecology class conduct research on a port

Easily apply within minutes.

Our one-page application form will simply ask you to choose which of the responses outlined above define your eligibility. You’ll also be asked to write a brief (100-300 word) essay that describes your interest in ecology and data Science. That’s it! You can preview the application here, and then click the link below to apply.

Apply Now

Support for your success, each and every year.

Made possible through a grant from the National Science Foundation, the EDS Scholars Program has been thoughtfully designed to support your success in a variety of ways. Here’s a snapshot of how being an EDS Scholar will enhance your learning and enrich your life each year at St. Edward’s University:

First-year

  • You’ll receive up to $10,000 in scholarship funds, plus a new laptop pre-loaded with software. 
  • During your first week on campus, you’ll participate in an engaging orientation event at St. Edward’s Wild Basin Creative Research Center, an innovative field research station located within a beautiful 227-acre wilderness preserve. 
  • You’ll meet your faculty mentor. As an EDS Scholar, you’ll be assigned a dedicated faculty mentor in your first year. 
  • You’ll meet your Success Coach, who can help you select your classes and navigate challenges, and provide resources for your overall health and well-being. 
  • You’ll visit Wild Basin Creative Research Center to enjoy additional recreational outings such as hiking and stargazing, and to participate in experiential learning opportunities in ecology and data science. 
  • You’ll make friends and build community within your EDS Scholars cohort. You’ll even be assigned a peer mentor, an upper-class St. Edward’s student who can answer questions and offer insights from their own college experiences.

Sophomore, junior, and senior years

  • In addition to the continuing scholarship funds and support offered in your first year, you’ll receive a housing stipend in your second year..
  • You’ll be provided with opportunities for on-campus employment. 
  • You’ll receive priority for research stipends for summer projects to be conducted between your sophomore and junior year, and again between your junior and senior year. 
  • You’ll have opportunities to present your research findings at conferences, with paid travel expenses. 
  • Dedicated faculty will help you find ideal internships. Past students have interned with leading companies, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. 
  • You’ll meet your Career Counselor at the beginning of your sophomore year, who will offer guidance and support on everything from choosing an occupation to honing job search skills and interviewing.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Feel free to preview the form, and then submit your application.