Beckman Scholars Program

1. Beckman Scholars must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Scholars must be full-time undergraduate students and remain in good academic standing, intending to pursue an advanced science degree or other scientific pursuits.
2. Beckman Scholars are required to perform research activities part time (ten hours per week) during one academic year, and full time over two consecutive summers (ten 40-hour weeks each summer). Scholars will pursue their independent research project under the guidance of an approved full-time faculty Mentor. If a Scholar is unable to fulfill this term, their allocation of funding, and associate Mentor stipend, will be withdrawn.
3. Initial Scholar Reports, due by May 15 of the calendar year in which a Scholar’s funding commences (e.g., May 15, 2023 for Year 1 Scholars).Report from each Scholar/Mentor including Scholar headshot, transcripts, research project summary, and Scholar mentorship plan, code of conduct agreement and Scholar Proof of US Citizenship. 
4. Final Scholar Reports, due by Oct. 15 of the calendar year in which a Scholar’s funding concludes (e.g., Oct. 15, 2024 for Year 1 Scholars)
   • Report from each Beckman Scholar, submitted directly to the Foundation, independent of mentor review/revision. The report should include research findings; collaboration between the Scholar, Mentor, and Mentor’s lab; impact of the Award on career plan, and other program related topics. Details will be provided to each Scholar via the online reporting portal or via e-mail.
   • Scholar Value Statement: Describing Dr. Beckman’s contribution to science and the impact of his innovations as they relate to the Scholar, their research, and new discoveries.

Year 1: Summer 2023, Academic Year 2023-24, Summer 2024

Year 2: Summer 2024, Academic Year 2024-25, Summer 2025

Year 3: Summer 2025, Academic Year 2025-26, Summer 2026

• Student Stipend $18,200; distributed as follows
  • First Summer - $6,800
  • Academic Year - $4,600
  • Second Summer - $6,800
• Student Scientific Supply and Travel $2,800; distributed as needed to support current research activities.
• Mentor Stipend $5,000; distributed as needed during the associated Scholar’s award term to support the following, but not limited to:
  • Scholar Mentorship Plan (SMP)
  • Mentor Travel - to support attendance with Scholar at outside scientific symposia
  • Scientific Supplies - related to the Scholar’s research
  • Publication fees - for publishing in undergraduate and peer reviewed publications related to Scholar’s research

• Selection Committee:
  • A selection committee will be established to review applications. This committee consists of six members: the Beckman Scholars Program project director, Director of the Center for Student Research, Associate Vice President of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, one graduating undergraduate student engaged in research in a Beckman-eligible discipline, one graduate student engaged in research in a Beckman-eligible discipline, and one Beckman-eligible faculty mentor.
• Phase 1:
  • In Phase 1, students will submit a written personal statement (2 page max) about their interest in becoming a Beckman Scholar, educational and career plans/goals, perceived barriers to their education, and their intention to pursue advanced science degrees (PhD, MD, MD/PhD) or other similar pursuits. In this statement, students will also explain their research interests and describe the project they plan to complete with their Mentor.
  • View the rubric for guidelines
  • This statement will be e-mailed to the project director (ram.kandasamy@csueastbay.edu) by the April 1 deadline (see timeline below). 
  • The committee will review the applications to establish eligibility, written communication skills, and commitment to the program. The highest-scoring students will move to Phase 2. 
• Phase 2:
  • In Phase 2, applicants will pre-record a presentation for the selection committee about their background and academic or professional interests. Videos should be submitted to the project director (ram.kandasamy@csueastbay.edu). In a live interview, the applicant will answer questions from a list developed by the committee. 
  • The presentation and Q&A will assess oral skills, long-term commitment to earning a doctorate or professional degree, resilience, passion for creating knowledge through research, and understanding of the activities that participants in our program commit to taking on. 
• The committee will select the two most talented and committed to join our program per year.
• Application Timeline:

  April 1	Phase 1 Personal Statement Due
  April 1-10	Initial Assessment: Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee to select up to five finalists.
  April 20 - May 1	Phase 2 Pre-recorded Videos Due and Finalists Live Interview
  May 10	Scholar/Mentor Initial Reports Due
  May 15	Scholars announced and begin work with Mentor