The U.S. scholarship program is very large in the geographic area it covers (usually about 75 percent of the country), the number of applications (4,000 to 6,000 in recent years), and the amount of money available for awards (more than $70,000 in 2010-2011). The Foundation's U.S. scholarship program is operated by approximately 400 volunteers around the country with support from the Foundation's office staff.
U.S. applicants need not be Mensa members. However, Mensa members may apply for both these scholarship programs and the additional Mensa Member Award Program.
Contact Information
Eligibility
Gender:
NA
Eligibility:
There are three requirements for applicants:
The applicant must currently be a resident of a participating American Mensa Local Group's area. Note that each year, the list of participating groups may change.
The applicant must be enrolled in a degree program in an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning during the academic year following the application date.
The applicant must submit an application and essay explaining his or her career, academic and/or vocational goals.
Special Criteria:
The Foundation's college scholarship program bases its awards totally on essays written by the applicants. Consideration is not given to grades, academic program or financial need.
The scholarship application process opens Sept. 15 and closes Jan. 15. No application forms are available at any other time. Between September and January, interested individuals can visit the scholarship application area of this site to determine eligibility and, if eligible, download an application. Application forms are also available from the Local Scholarship Chairs by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Address information for each Local Scholarship Chair is available within each local chair's area.
Applicants have until Jan. 15 to write an essay of not more than 550 words explaining their career, academic and/or vocational goals and how they plan to achieve those goals. The essays are sent through U.S. mail to their Local Scholarship Chair.
