Next Century Scholarships

RMU Next Century Scholarships are aimed at students who wish to pursue careers in technology or math-related fields.

The scholarships are open to applicants from underrepresented groups and others who demonstrate a commitment to empowering members of underrepresented groups, combating stereotypes, and enabling others to better understand persons of different races, ethnicities, or other traits.

Recipients will be able to choose from several degree programs at RMU, including:

  • Computer and Information Systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics and Predictive Analytics
  • Computer Science
  • User Experience User Interface Design (UX-UI)
  • Engineering (Biomedical, Industrial, Mechanical, or Software)
  • Manufacturing Engineering

RMU Next Century Scholars will participate in summer bridge programs, professional networking opportunities, undergraduate research, mentorship, and internships -- and have an opportunity each year to interact with Reed Hastings. Hastings, founder and co-CEO of Netflix, is providing $3 million to RMU to fund 20 full scholarships -- including room, board, and textbooks -- beginning with students entering the university in the fall of 2021. 

RMU Next Century Scholars will be expected to earn a business-related certificate from among several offered by RMU, including Entrepreneurship, Sales, and Logistics. They also will be able to take advantage of courses in Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing that RMU offers as an AWS Academy member. RMU Next Century Scholars completing the AWS courses and passing the required exam will be eligible for AWS cloud computing certification. These and other courses allow RMU students to qualify for a range of industry certifications.

Requirements

  • Applicants must apply to and be accepted into an Engineering, Science, Math or Computer Science related program at RMU.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation: 
    • One from a STEM teacher.
    • One additional letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your extra or co-curricular activities, and/or leadership, employment, or volunteer activities. This letter may be from an employer, religious leader, community leader, coach (who might also be a teacher), boy scout or girl scout leader, etc.
  • Tell us about yourself 
    • Please describe your background or experience in math, technology, or a related area. It can be a club, a class, a job shadow experience, or an independent self-guided experience such as solving tech or math problems on your own, or building robots or software on your own.
  • Answer the following question in a written or video essay
    • Essay (Video Essay Optional) 
      • What is a next century problem that needs to be solved? How can you through your chosen career/major help solve that problem?
    • Video should be 2-3 minutes.
    • Written essay should be 400-500 words .
  • Finalists will be invited for a virtual meet and greet.
  • Deadline is March 1, 2022.

Application Form

Contact Us

Learn more about RMU Next Century Scholarships:

RMU Admissions
admissions@rmu.edu
412-397-5200