The Davidson Fellows Scholarship gives $50,000, $25,000, or $10,000 to students under 18. To qualify, they must complete important projects that can help society.
Fellows Scholarships are awarded to gifted students (18 and younger) who have completed significant work in one of nine categories.
- Categories include:
- Science: Students excelling in subjects like physics or biology.
- Technology: Students excelling in computer science (programming, AI, robotics).
- Engineering: Students excelling in engineering fields (electrical, mechanical).
- Mathematics: Students excelling in subjects like calculus or geometry.
- Literature: Students excelling in writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, screenplay).
- Music: Students excelling in musical performance or composition
- Philosophy: Students excelling in the study of philosophy.
- Outside the Box: Students excelling in a unique field not covered by other categories.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship Application Process:
Part 1: Submit a brief description of your project/portfolio for eligibility review.
Part 2: Enter nominator and parent details, and submit category requirements.
Review: The initial portion of your application will be reviewed within 1-2 business days. Once approved, you can proceed with Part 2.
Parent Form: Only one parent approval form is required (per team member for team submissions).
Deadline: All materials must be submitted by February 12, 2025, 11:59pm PT.
Review Process:
Applications are checked for completeness and accuracy, then evaluated by an independent team of judges.
Plagiarism and AI-generated text detection software will be used.
Scholarships awarded are $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000.
Applicants will be notified by July 15 each year.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship Application Tips
- Read the How to Apply and FAQs pages carefully.
- Choose reliable nominators.
- Proofread and double-check your submissions.
- Make sure all videos are “Unlisted” on YouTube.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute.
Key facts for the 2025-2026 cycle:
- Application Opens: Fall of 2025
Davidson Fellows Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet ALL these criteria:
- Be under 18 years of age as of February 15, 2026
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with documentation
- Have completed a significant project within the last 18 months
- Not have previously won a Davidson Fellows Scholarship
- Be available to attend the awards ceremony in September 2026 if selected
The selection process has three distinct phases:
- Initial Screening (March 2026): Applications checked for completeness and eligibility
- Expert Review (April-May 2026): Subject-matter experts evaluate projects on:
- Originality (30%)
- Depth of knowledge (25%)
- Technical execution (20%)
- Potential impact (15%)
- Communication clarity (10%)
Financial Details Most Guides Don’t Include
- Disbursement: The college/university receives the funds directly over four years.
- Restrictions: You can only use the funds for undergraduate tuition and fees, not for housing or books.
- Tax Implications: Scholarships for tuition and fees are generally tax-exempt, but consult a tax professional
- Deferment: Fellows can defer funding for up to three years (useful for gap years)
- Supplementation: You can combine this scholarship with other financial aid
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Scope Issues: Projects too modest in scale or ambition
- Documentation Gaps: Insufficient evidence of your process and individual contribution
- Impact Overstatement: Claiming unrealistic societal benefits
- Technical Jargon: Failing to explain complex concepts clearly for non-specialist judges
- Missing Deadlines: Technical uploads often take longer than expected; start 72 hours before deadline
Alternative Programs Worth Considering
If you don’t qualify for Davidson Fellows or want additional opportunities:
- Regeneron Science Talent Search: $250,000 top prize, seniors only
- Thiel Fellowship: $100,000 award for entrepreneurs under 23
- Intel International Science and Engineering Fair: $75,000 top prize
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program: Long-term educational support
- National YoungArts Foundation: For artistic disciplines, ages 15-18
Conclusion: Is It Worth Applying?
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is extraordinarily competitive but offers benefits beyond the monetary award:
- Recognition that significantly enhances college applications
- Networking with exceptional peers and industry leaders
- Media exposure for your project and achievements
- Credibility for future grants and research opportunities
The application process helps you express and improve your work. This benefits your growth, no matter the result.
For outstanding students with big projects almost done, spending time on this application can lead to great rewards. This scholarship program offers one of the best returns for high school students.