Prospective Scholars

Learn About Eligibility, Benefits, Curriculum, and the Application Process

The UM Gulf Scholars Program is a pilot of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, located on the campuses of thirty institutions in Gulf-bordering states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. But you don’t have to majoring in the sciences to be a part of this initiative. The overarching goal of the UM Gulf Scholars Program is to empower students to become change agents and community leaders advocating for sustainable and equitable responses to environmental challenges in the Gulf coast region and its watershed in north and central Mississippi.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students from any major who are entering their third year at UM.

How do Gulf Scholars benefit from enrollment in the program?

Gulf Scholars receive 6000 dollar stipends (3000 dollars a year for two years) to support research and travel related to their capstone project in the program.

What do Gulf Scholars do?

  1. Complete a core course, “Environmental Challenges in the Gulf South” (SST 336).
  2. Complete 6 additional hours of coursework from a pre-approved course list.
  3. Participate in an immersive travel experience to the MS Gulf Coast.
  4. Complete a place-based capstone project.

Questions?  Email gulfscholars@olemiss.edu.

Ready to apply?

Applications will be reviewed starting on April 16th. 

To submit your application, you'll use the form linked below. Before starting the application, here's an overview of what is needed:

Three written responses:

  1. Describe your relationship to a place you have lived in, worked in, or dreamed about. (up to 250 words)
  2. What comes to mind when you think of the relationship between the state of Mississippi and the Gulf? What are the challenges that arise from that relationship, and how might you imagine addressing them? (up to 500 words)
  3. Please describe any previous experience you have working as a volunteer or engaging in community service. (up to 250 words)

Transcript and letter of support:

  1. An unofficial UM transcript (Ideal candidates have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.)
  2. The name and email address of a someone who can provide you with a letter of support. Your recommender might be a UM faculty or staff member or a community member.

OPTIONAL application materials:

  1. If you have other original materials to support your application (for example, photographs you have taken or film you have made), please share the link.

Note: Next-round applicants will be contacted for in-person interviews.

Apply Now!