Authorized by Congress in 1986, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation honors Barry M. Goldwater, who served the United States for 56 years as a soldier and legislator, including 30 years as a U.S. Senator advocating science education. Outstanding sophomores and juniors with excellent academic records, experience in and/or an intense commitment to research, and demonstrated potential for careers in mathematics and the natural sciences are invited to apply.

Candidates are evaluated on their demonstrated potential for and commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering, and outstanding academic performance.

Candidates must intend to pursue a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering; students interested in medicine are only eligible if they plan to pursue a research career rather than a clinical one; they must be a sophomore or a junior (or one year or more away from graduation at the time they submit the application) during the year of nomination; they must have at least a “B” average and be in the upper fourth of their class; and they must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or a U.S. national. 

Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.