"The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS), funded by a (1 billion dollar) grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding, low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose. Continuing Gates Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science. The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence by providing thousands of outstanding students, who have significant financial need, the opportunity to reach their full potential."
-From the Gates Millennium Scholars web site

GMS selection criteria is highly selective and very competitive. It is a high-profile, prestigious merit based scholarship for minorities. Eligible students are selected based on academic achievement, community service commitment, demonstrated leadership and academic potential. Although undergraduates in any discipline can be selected, GMS has a preference for students with academic achievement in mathematics and science. Candidates must also:

• Be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American;
• Be a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the United States;
• Have attained a high school cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (un-weighted);
• Be entering a U.S. accredited college or university as a full time, degree-seeking freshman in the fall;
• Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities;
• AND be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. (Initial award only, continuing scholars do not have to be Pell eligible).

Incoming Freshmen:
Nomination materials for due by Mid-January. GMS recommends nominees to have their FAFSA completed by February 1. Notification letters will be sent to all nominees, selected or not, after the selection process is completed. GMS Candidate Information Forms are due by May 25.

Continuing Scholars:
The Gates Millennium Scholarship is renewable annually. Continuing scholars are expected to be enrolled full-time and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Award Information sheets for continuing Gates Scholars are due July 15.

Graduate Scholars:
Graduate students pursuing a Masters or Doctorate degree in Math, Science, Engineering, Education or Library Science who meet the US Citizen/Permanent Resident and ethnic origin criteria can apply for Gates. If selected, GMS will cover tuition and books (program fees).