Women in Technology
Scholarship
Critical Mass of Engineering Technology Scholarship Program (COMETS)
Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation {Award # 1060136}
To be considered for the COMETS Scholarship you MUST apply to an Engineering Technology program at RIT. Questions about the COMETS Scholars Program at RIT may be sent to Professor Betsy Dell at emdmet@rit.edu.
Scholarship Accordion
Become a COMETS Scholar
The National Science Foundation awarded RIT a grant for the Critical Mass of Engineering Technology Scholar from its 2011 Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program to substantially increase the number of high-technology workers and to develop high-quality professionals in select fields. These scholarships are available to students accepted and starting a COMETS program beginning academic years 2012-2017.
“I’ve always been kind of shy and wasn’t sure about participating in the Women in Technology events. Since I received the COMETS scholarship, I was required to go to a few of these events. I was amazed at how welcoming everyone was. Going to these events helped me meet many of the good friends I have now and become more outgoing. Now I go to every event that fits in my schedule because they’re so much fun.”
How it Works
RIT will award scholarships to a limited number of outstanding freshmen and transfer students. Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolling in the following programs:
Each scholar will receive the scholarship as long as they continue to meet scholarship requirements.
Freshman scholars: The NSF award provides a $2000 scholarship per quarter or $3000 per semester for the first two years for which the scholar is enrolled in courses full-time.
Transfer scholars: The NSF award provides a $2000 scholarship per quarter or $3000 per semester for which the scholar is enrolled in courses full-time for a maximum of $12,000 over three years. Awards are not paid during periods of cooperative education employment, since students are not charged tuition while employed.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an academically successful freshman or transfer student who has submitted an application for admission to one of the COMETS programs by March 15 in the year that the student is applying to RIT. If you are a transfer student, you must have completed two years of study in a related program prior to program acceptance.
- Be a citizen, national, refugee alien, or permanent resident alien of the United States of America.
- Be accepted and enrolled full-time in an RIT COMETS program.
- Demonstrate financial need as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and by the RIT Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships upon receipt of results from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Requirements
The scholarship will be renewed only if the COMETS scholar:
- Demonstrates financial need for each additional year.
- Remains matriculated full-time in any BS program of the six participating programs.
- Maintains a quarterly GPA ≥ 2.50.
- Has successfully completed the COMETS one credit course.
- Has attended at least one Women in Technology Professional Skills Workshop or Industrial Tour.
- Assisted with at least one Women in Technology outreach event.
Mentors
Betsy Dell
Director of Women in Technology
Assistant Professor and Miller Professor Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering Technology/Packaging Science
FAQs
How do I apply for this scholarship?
You do not need to apply. If you are accepted as a full-time freshman or transfer student in a BS program offered by the six participating programs, you will be considered for the COMETS scholarship. You must demonstrate academic talent and financial need as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. This is determined by the RIT Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships upon receipt of result from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Special consideration is given to applicants from underrepresented groups, such as female and minority applicants. These scholarships are available academic start years 2012-2017.
What happens if I change my major?
If you transfer to one of the six academic programs offering the COMETS Scholarship, you will remain eligible for the scholarship.
What happens to the scholarship if I become a part-time student?
You must be a full-time student (as defined by RIT) in the quarter or semester you receive the scholarship. You become ineligible for the scholarship if you become a part-time student.
Are there any other requirements to continue to receive the scholarship?
Yes. You must successfully complete the COMETS one credit course, attend at least one Women in Technology Professional Skills Workshop or Industrial Tour and assist with at least one Women in Technology outreach event. You also must continue to demonstrate academic ability and financial need each year and be enrolled for a full-time academic load each quarter/semester.
Are there any expectations of me as a COMETS scholar?
Per NSF requirements, we need to inform NSF about your accomplishments during and after your education at RIT. Please inform Professor Dell of your achievements such as when you win an award or go on cooperative employment. When you graduate from RIT, please email her the name of your employer or plans for graduate school.
Why is the National Science Foundation providing this scholarship money?
Our government is concerned about the shortage of qualified graduates, especially those from underrepresented groups, from baccalaureate institutions with majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These federal funds, provided through the National Science Foundation, are to encourage and enable the achievement of baccalaureate degrees in these disciplines.
