A NC State University scholarship program is providing a unique opportunity for students to use their talents while volunteering in the area.
The Goodnight Scholars Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship given to students in STEM degree programs.
In addition to financial assistance that the program provides, Goodnight scholars are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities through the program. Some of the unique opportunities include trips to Trinidad and Tobago, NC-based trips to promote STEM programs in K-12, trips with Habitat for Humanity, and other NC State programs. The Goodnight Program has a motto of “pay it forward,” meaning scholars should use talents to positively affect others.
The Goodnight Scholars LEGO Brick Build was an event that took place in April for elementary students in Wake County that highlighted the opportunities that STEM programs could provide.
Volunteer opportunities are not the only benefits of the Goodnight Program. A trip to Boston shows NC State students potential STEM career positions in the city while networking with NC State alumni. The program also has connections at MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation that shows students how to incorporate STEM into everyday life.
Many of the undergraduate scholars are now in notable graduate programs and work in STEM fields all over the nation.
The scholarship offers $17,500 yearly to students to whom it is awards. It is renewable for four years and available to mid-income level students in North Carolina. The program accepts 50 students each year after an interview in February. More information on applications and deadlines can be found on the Goodnight Scholars Program website.