By providing scholarships to college students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields. The Goldwater Scholarship Program seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support students who show exceptional promise of becoming this Nation's next generation of research leaders in science, engineering, and mathematics. Goldwater nominees are reviewed on their potential to advance knowledge in their chosen fields throughout their careers. Scholars who receive the award as sophomores can expect to receive support for a maximum of two years (4 semesters) or until graduation, if sooner. Scholars who receive the award as juniors can expect to receive support for a maximum of one year (2 semesters) or until graduation, if sooner. Applicants must be a matriculated student, pursuing a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution of higher education. A student may not be nominated by more than one institution in a competition cycle. A four-year school may nominate a 5th student if one or more of the nominated students is a transfer student or U.S. Veteran. They may nominate up to six students if they have both a transfer student and a U.S. Veteran. No direct student applications or nominations by campuses without a Goldwater Campus Representative will be considered. Three letters of recommendation are required. The application opens on the first Tuesday of September. The deadline for the submission of nomination is the last Friday of January. Please visit the award's website for more information.