Student Awards& Scholarships

Source: https://engineering.rice.edu/academics/student-awards-scholarships Parent: https://engineering.rice.edu/

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Student Awards & Scholarships

Students majoring in programs led by the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University have a variety of scholarships, awards and opportunities available to them. These awards recognize academic success, research, service and development. Browse the opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students below. Fall awards open in September and Spring awards open in January. Awardee notification occur within a month of the posted award deadline.

Explore Awards, Scholarships & Opportunities

Harrianna Butler Scholarship

The Harrianna Butler Scholarship is awarded to an exceptional undergraduate or graduate student who will return the next year. The recipient of this award should be married and in need of financial support to continue his/her studies.

Amount: $10,000

Requirements:

• married;
• returning the following academic year;
• able to demonstrate financial need

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• One nomination per department.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Chevron Scholarships

Chevron Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate sophomore- or junior-level students pursuing a George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing degree that is beneficial to Chevron’s business.

Amount: Award departments and amounts can vary by year. Typically $1,000-2,000 is awarded by Chevron to up to two (2) recipients per academic program to the following departments:

• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Materials Science and NanoEngineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Requirements:

• Full-time engineering student
• Minimum 3.3 GPA
• Must be pursuing (declared in) an engineering degree that is beneficial to Chevron business
• Must demonstrate knowledge and interest in Chevron and energy industry
• Students from sanction countries may be considered for awards on a case-by-case
• A minimum of one noteworthy achievement/recognition

Application deadline: December 15 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Departments are notified regarding the number of awards available to initiate the process.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Fluor Daniel Scholarship

The Fluor Daniel Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students completing their sophomore year in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This award is based on academic achievement.

Amount: $1,000 - 2,000 — Award totals can vary from year to year. Up to three students can typically be nominated by eligible departments.

Requirements: Sophomores (rising Junior) students who have declared a major in one of the following areas are eligible:

• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CHBE)
• Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
• Mechanical Engineering (MECH)

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5PM CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts

The Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts provides stipends to undergraduate students in the George R. Brown School of Engineering who are in their junior, senior or fifth year, and have demonstrated significant involvement in the performing, visual, or written arts at Rice and/or in the Houston community. Preferential consideration will be accorded to individuals who have pursued community-based commitments through their art.

Amount: $6,500 — Up to two awards may be given

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled junior, senior, fifth-year undergraduate engineering student
• Ability to demonstrate significant involvement in performing, visual or written arts
• Artistic activity can be within or outside Rice, but must fall within the Houston Metropolitan area while enrolled at Rice.
• Reference letter from any faculty and/or staff with oversight on the candidate's artistic activity to describe performance and impacts within the Rice and/or Houston community. (This could be a community liaison, Rice Faculty or staff mentor/supervisor). Multiple letters are accepted if multiple communities are impacted.
• Current resume/CV

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply: Apply here for the Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts\ \ Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Nazim S. Nathoo Award for Engineering Excellence

The Nazim S. Nathoo Award for Engineering Excellence is awarded annually to recognize a student or students who exemplify the values of integrity, innovation, academic excellence and commitment to the field of mechanical engineering.

Amount: $2,000

Requirements: Student must be a declared junior or senior MECH major; level is determined by expected graduation date.

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Department is notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Outstanding Engineering and Computing Student Awards

The Outstanding Engineering and Computing Student Awards are given to one junior & senior student from each of the nine departments within the school. Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) will select one junior and one senior from all submissions to be identified as “Distinguished” based upon the department’s recommendation and the student’s accomplishments.

Amount: The Outstanding Engineering and Computing Student Awards are jointly funded between the School of Engineering and Computing and Rice Engineering Alumni

• $500 - Each “outstanding junior and senior” Awardee
• $1,500 - Most Distinguished Senior Awardee
• $1,000 - Most Distinguished Junior Awardee

Requirements:

• Nomination beyond GPA is encouraged.
• Consideration should include outside activities, internships, engineering society leadership and membership, departmental assistance, as well as academic achievement. Nominations must include a brief description highlighting the top 4 point of consideration supporting candidate selection as outstanding junior/senior
• Candidates must be declared in the nominating engineering department
• Level is based upon expected graduation date, not credit hours
• Senior nominees must be planning on graduating by the August graduation of the current academic year.
• Resume

Application deadline: December 15th 5PM CST (date varies year to year)

How to apply: Nominations for the Engineering and Computing Outstanding Student & Texas Society of Professional Engineers Awards are submitted by academic programs. Contact your department if you believe you qualify. Department will receive a direct link to upload their nominee to from jm9@rice.edu.

\ TSPE Outstanding Nomination Additional Requirements:

• Candidates submitted for the Outstanding Engineering and Computing award who are declared in the 6 ABET-accredited departments (BIOE, CEE, CHBE, ELEC, MECH, and MSNE) will be forwarded to theTexas Society of Professional Engineers.
• These nominees will represent the School of Engineering and Computing at the TSPE annual event in February, during the Houston Engineers Week.
• TSPE presents all candidates with certificates and awards the two MOST OUTSTANDING students (one junior and one senior student selected from the 12 nominees) an additional monetary prize.

Nominations must include a brief description highlighting candidate ability to promote TSPE mission and goals and relevance to the geographic area in which the candidate is located.

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominees.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Louis & Peaches Owens Fellowships for Professional Masters

The Louis & Peaches Owens Fellowship for Professional Masters is awarded to a Rice junior or senior engineering student pursuing a professional master’s degree within the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing after graduation.

Amount: $12,500 per semester for up to two semesters while the student is enrolled full-time in an engineering professional master’s program at Rice.

Application Materials:

• Copy of resume and degree for which they plan to study
• One-page statement if what motivated them to seek a professional master's degree
• One (1) letter of recommendation

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply: Apply for the Louis & Peaches Owens Fellowship for Professional Masters

Requirements:

• Students are eligible to apply for this scholarship the academic term before enrolling full-time in a professional master’s program.
• Students must have completed their undergraduate degree and be enrolled full-time in an EPMP in order to receive this award.
• Application opens annually in January.

Rice Engineering Alumni Scholarships

The Rice Engineering Alumni (REA) Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students recognized for academic achievement, research, leadership excellence and international service. Each year the REA provides scholarships to outstanding students in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. Over $150,000 in awards and scholarships are awarded at the REA/SOE End-of-Year Picnic.  REA is transitioning their award formats to align with the School of Engineering and Computing as of Spring 2026.\

Amount: Varies based on award

Requirements: Submitted materials are provided to the Rice Engineering Alumni for committee review and selection.

Application deadline: Fall & Spring, check REA website for specific deadlines

How to apply: Please use the following application links to apply for REA Spring 2026 awards.

1. REA - Leadership Excellence Award: https://forms.gle/jCnLEYhCLqKqwQWb6
2. REA - Research Excellence Award: https://forms.gle/q63uteiPbBgKUN9b8
3. REA - Graduate Travel Grants: https://forms.gle/N15wPCFFVZ8jbuK1A
4. R.K.M. "Bob" Dickson Prize: https://forms.gle/QRcAxFrnzgSiySEQ8

Award templates care available in Rice Box for planning your submission materials here: https://rice.box.com/s/f8sn1q0svog92n68ofl01r37d9o8o2ta\ *Please use Rice NetID and password for accessing Rice Box links.

Rice Engineering and Computing Undergraduate Support for Student Initiatives

The Rice Engineering and Computing Undergraduate Support for Student Initiatives Award is considered for undergraduate students participating in activities that contribute to their professional and academic development. \ \ Please note that this award does not support study abroad programs, or projects/travel associated with specific research groups or academic courses. \ \ To request support to travel to research conferences, contact your academic department or the office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry  (https://ouri.rice.edu/undergraduate-conference-funding).

Preference will be given to students participating in an engineering project that aligns with their academic goals and with the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing vision. Students applying to receive these funds are encouraged to also contact their academic department to request matching funds.

Amount: amount varies based on the award

Application deadlines @ 5:00pm CST:

• September 30
• October 30
• November 30
• December 30
• January 30
• February 30
• March 30
• April 30

Application requirements:

• Complete the template form.
• In addition to your budget, be sure to include all of the information about the departments, offices, and other organizations from which you are requesting support, the amounts requested, and the status of those requests.

How to apply:  apply for Support for Student Initiatives funding.

Hershel M. Rich Invention Award

The Hershel M. Rich Invention Award is given to Rice engineering students or faculty members who have invented or developed an original invention.

Amount: $7,500 — Depending on funding, up to two awards might be given each year. For group/team inventions, if selected, $7,500 award will be split evenly.

Requirements: One nomination letter per department describing the student's original invention

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• One nomination per department
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Rodd Selman Scholarship

The Rodd Selman Scholarship is awarded to provide assistance to Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CHBE) undergraduate students.

Amount: $1,000 - 2,000 — Up to five scholarships awarded.

Requirements: Student must be a declared ChBE major

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by the academic program.
• Department is notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Society of American Military Engineers

The Society of American Military Engineers is awarded to a deserving engineering student enrolled in Rice’s military academy.

Amount: $500-1,000

Requirements: One nomination by ROTC commanding officer

Application deadline: October 1 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations for the Society of American Military Engineers Scholarship are submitted by ROTC command officers.
• Commanding officers are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Thomas Michael Panos Family Engineering Student Award

TheThomas Micahel Panos Family Superior Engineering Student Award is indented to recognize graduating mechanical engineering seniors who have demonstrated excellence in mechanical engineering and who have incurred significant student loan debt. The exact amount of the awards will range from 15% to 20% of the annual tuition.

Amount: $10,000

Requirements: Student must be a declared senior MECH major; level is determined by expected graduation date.

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Department is notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Louis J. Walsh Merit Awards

George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing departments may nominate the top 5% of their current academic year junior and senior class for the  Louis J. Walsh Merit Award annually. Consideration can extend beyond GPA, though the final list must not exceed 5% of your current semester junior or senior class.

Requirements:

Candidates must be declared in a major within the nominating department\     Level is based upon expected graduation date, not credit hours

Please prepare and upload a spreadsheet of your nominee list. Include only the following details for each nominee on the list:

1. Student Full_Name
2. iO Person Number
3. Net_ID
4. Department
5. Major
6. Exp Grad. Date
7. Point of Merit (why selected)

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by the academic program.
• Department is notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Warner S. Strang '66 Memorial Award

The Warner S. Strang '66 Memorial Award provides awards to junior-level engineering undergraduates within the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing who best exemplify the core R.I.C.E. values of Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence https://www.rice.edu/mission-values.

Candidates must be in a leadership role during the current academic cycle within a Rice department club or Rice professional organization (Examples: AIAA, AiChE, BMES, IEEE. Etc.).  Preference will be given to active year Rice Engineering Student Club (R.E.S.C.) members.

Amount: $500-1500 - up to 9 awards may be given per academic cycle.

Requirements:

• Nominee must be a junior-level student.
• Nominee must be declared in a School of Engineering and Computing major.
• Nominee must be a continuing student in the academic year following their nomination.
• Nominee must be a member in an active department/professional organization in a club leadership role for the current academic year.
• Current resume/CV

Application deadline: Mar. 3

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Department is notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions\

James S. Waters Creativity Award

The James S. Waters Creativity Award supports undergraduate students in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing who demonstrated creativity not associated with a specific course. Examples of these activities include peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, a scientific presentation at a national conference, a new device or invention, a report on an independent project, etc.

Amount: $1,000 each

Requirements:

• One nominee per department
• A nomination letter
• An electronic copy of the paper, report or description of the device of the invention (include any patents or patent applications)

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Dick and Mary Ellen Wilson Engineering Student Enhancement Award

Dick and Mary Ellen Wilson Engineering Student Enhancement Award provides financial support for international travel for undergraduate students in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Preference will be given to students participating in a study abroad program, but the travel grant might also support other educational initiatives that require international travel.

Amount: up to $2,000

Requirements: Students applying for this travel grant must have declared a Civil and Environmental Engineering program as their academic major. Students must have completed a minimum of two academic terms enrolled at Rice before the start date of the proposed trip.

Application deadlines:

• March 3 @ 5:00pm CST, for summer travel
• November 1 @ 5:00pm CST, for spring travel

How to apply:

Submit a one-page application form describing the proposed international travel:

• trip description (date, location and program/organization);
• purpose of travel how this opportunity will enhance the student’s educational experience at Rice;
• detailed budget (including all contributions, personal and otherwise, already committed or being requested and how much is being requested from the travel award program.
• number of available awards varies annually

Click here to apply for the Wilson Civil Engineering Student Enhancement Fund​.

Ralph Budd Ph.D. Engineering Thesis Award

Ralph Budd Ph.D. Engineering Thesis Award is given to a graduate student for the best-written thesis in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. The student must be graduating during the current academic year, or have graduated the previous summer.

Amount: $3,500

Requirements:

• One nomination per department
• Two nomination letters per nominee
• An electronic copy of the thesis (final submission not required, final draft accepted)

Application deadline: April 1

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by academic programs.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

Sue H. and Harold R. Galloway Fellowship

Sue H. and Harold R. Galloway Fellowship provides a one-time bonus to a prospective graduate.

Amount: $5,000

Requirements:

• One nomination per George R. Brown academic department.
• Nominee must have applied and been accepted to a George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing doctoral program.
• Students must matriculate the Fall semester of the following academic year they are nominated.

Application deadline: March 3

How to apply:

• Nominations are submitted by George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing academic departments.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.

School of Engineering Graduate Fellowship

The School of Engineering Fellowship is awarded to an incoming doctoral student enrolled in a Ph.D. program. The fellowship is renewable for a total of 4 years (up to $20,000) as long as the student maintains full-time status in the program and remains in good academic standing. Departments should nominate excellent students that will bring a unique perspective and make a difference to the field of engineering. Strong consideration will be given to applicants with other top college choices besides Rice.\

Amount: $5,000\

Requirements:\

• One nomination per George R. Brown academic department.
• Nominee must have applied and been accepted to a George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing department doctoral program
• Students must matriculate the Fall semester of the following academic year they are nominated\

Application deadline: March 3\

How to apply:\

• Nominations are submitted by George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing academic departments.
• Departments are notified to initiate the process and provided a direct link to upload their nominee.
• Contact your department if you believe you qualify for this award.
• Contact Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu with questions.