Scholarships available to Biological Sciences students

Every year, several scholarships are available to students majoring in one of the biological sciences. The scholarship application process is online through the Financial Aid website.  The application period opens on January 1 and closes on March 2. The successful scholarship recipients are notified through their Pipeline email in mid April.  

List of Biological Sciences Scholarships and Awards

Richard Armstrong is warmly remembered as a dedicated scientist and SBCC professor who taught in the Biological Sciences Department for three decades. He passed away in the Spring 2005 semester and is honored by his family, friends and colleagues with this scholarship.

Eligible students must demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for biology. They must have declared a major in one of the Biological Sciences and have completed at least 12 units of the biology majors sequence of courses, preferably (but not limited to) the following courses: BIOL 101 Plant Biology, BIOL 102 Animal Biology, BIOL 103 Cell and Molecular Biology, and CHEM 155 General Chemistry I, CHEM 156 General Chemistry II. They may be either continuing their studies at SBCC (with a clear intent of pursuing an advanced degree) or transferring to a 4-year institution as a biology major.

Minimum Major GPA required: 3.2
Minimum Overall GPA required: 3.0
Provided by: Family and friends of Richard Armstrong Number of Annual Awards: 1
Amount of Annual Award: $1,000

 Established to encourage and provide financial support to students interested in studying and pursing a career in medicine, and who are concerned with balancing scientific study with development of social and individual consciousness.

Applicants must be declared majors in one of the life sciences and must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more units) each semester/term of the award period. Applicants may be an entering, continuing or transferring student, and must be either a US citizen or have permanent resident status. Selection shall be based on a balance of academic achievement and financial need (the latter in the broadest sense, not restricted to federal or state guidelines to receive financial aid). Through his or her personal essay, the applicant must demonstrate an interest in scientific pursuit and concern for development of social and individual consciousness. 

Minimum GPA required: 3.0
Provided by: David W. Doner, Jr., M.D.
Number of Annual Awards: 1
Amount of Annual Award: $1,500

To offer encouragement, inspiration, and financial support for students majoring in any of the following life science disciplines: Biological Sciences (AA), Biology (AS for transfer), Environmental Studies (AA), Kinesiology (AS for transfer), Liberal Arts—Biomedical Sciences emphasis (AA), Marine Science (AA, pending 2021 approval, or DA), Natural History (AA or DA), or Bio-Medical Sciences (DA). DA = Department Award.

Applicants may be continuing studies at SBCC or transferring to a four-year institution, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA and (as recipients) maintain same through all terms of the award period. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of three (3) units. Recipients continuing their studies at SBCC must be enrolled in at least nine (9) units to receive a full award. If unit load drops to between three (3) and eight (8) units during any term, a pro-rated 50% award shall be made during such semester(s). Recipients transferring to four-year institutions must be enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) units for each term of the award period. Recipients participating in science-based SBCC Study Abroad programs must be enrolled in all courses required for full program participation.

Award is based equally on financial need (in its broadest sense) and academic achievement.
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Provided by: Estate of Jean Methven Jorgensen and William C.Jorgensen
Number of Annual Awards: Varies
Amount of Annual Award(s): $1,000 - $10,000

Awarded to students with financial need (in the broadest sense and not necessarily as required to qualify for either state or federal financial assistance) who have demonstrated academic excellence in Biomedical Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a passing grade in at least one (1) SBCC Biomedical Science course and either be currently enrolled or have successfully completed one (1) other Biomedical Science course within the past two (2) college terms (including summer sessions). Applicants may be entering, continuing, re-entering or transferring to a four-year institution. Recipient must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in at least six (6) or more units each semester/term of the award period. No restrictions by citizenship status. Award is based equally on financial need and academic achievement. Number of awards to be determined by the Biological Sciences Scholarship Committee on an annual basis. 

Minimum GPA required: 3.0
Provided by: Dr. Judith Evans Meyer Living Trust, Wesley Evans Meyer, Trustee, and friends and colleagues of Dr. Meyer, in her memory
Number of Annual Awards: 1
Amount of Annual Award: $1,000

This annual award is presented to an SBCC Biological Sciences student who has proven him- or herself to be the most outstanding Microbiology student of the academic year. Potential award recipients are nominated by the Microbiology course instructor. To be nominated and considered, students must either be enrolled in or have just completed the Biological Science Microbiology course (BMS 127). Nominees may be continuing their studies at SBCC or may be transferring to a four-year college or university. Nominees must be enrolled in at least four (4) units at the time of nomination. Award is based primarily on academic achievement augmented by the review committee’s assessment of nominees’ exhibited class leadership and the support which nominees have provided to other students enrolled concurrently in the Microbiology course. 

Minimum GPA required: 3.5
Provided by: Judith Meyer, Ph.D., during her lifetime
Number of Annual Awards: 1
Amount of Annual Award: $850

In 1982, a generous endowment from the late William Olivarius enabled the Biological Sciences Department to offer scholarships to students majoring in biology. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence. William Olivarius was the uncle of William Jorgensen, another generous donor to the Biological Sciences Department

To qualify for a scholarship award, a student must be a declared biology major (Biological Sciences or Natural History), be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units each semester of the award year, and have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0. All students with exceptional overall GPAs are encouraged to apply. Applications are due at the end of the first week of February.  The application is online through the Biological Sciences Department. The application includes a one-page essay outlining educational objectives, plans for future use of education, and how receiving this scholarship will lead to achieving those goals. 

Minimum GPA required: 3.0
Provided by: William Olivarius Trust
Number of Annual Awards: 2
Amount of Annual Award: $900

 Established in 1991 in honor of the late Professor Profant’s long and dedicated career, and awarded once each year, the Robert J. Profant Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student majoring in biology.

To qualify for a scholarship award, a student must be a declared biology major (Biological Sciences or Natural History), have twelve (12) units in Biological Science completed or in progress, be enrolled in a course offered by the Biological Sciences Department during the year of application, and have a 3.5 GPA in courses from the sciences and mathematics. Preference given to Zoology majors or those whose expressed professional goals include teaching or research in the Biological Sciences. 

Number of Annual Awards: 1 
Amount of Annual Award: $200

Provided by: Family and friends in memory of Robert J. Profant, former SBCC Biology Department Chair

Scholarship recipients from previous years.

Please consult this list for scholarships offered by off campus organizations

Other Scholarships 

Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship.

Application period: September through January.
The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium, scientific conferences where students present their research, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.

Applicants that are attending two-year institutions and plan to transfer to and enroll as a second year student in a four-year undergraduate program or third year student in a five-year undergraduate program at an accredited college or university within the United States or U.S. territories, must, at time of submitting an application for the Hollings Scholarship, provide proof that they have applied to a four-year institution. Proof of application must be included with the official transcript and uploaded into the online Hollings Scholarship application. If selected for the Hollings Scholarship, applicant must submit proof of acceptance to a four-year institution by May 15.