Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to Offer $60,000 Annually in National Science Foundation Grants to Deserving Scholars

PRESCOTT, Ariz., March 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz., will offer substantial scholarships to academically talented students who enroll in the Applied Meteorology or Aeronautical Science programs and who are in need of financial assistance. These scholarships are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant, allowing up to $10,000 per academic year to qualified, selected students to assist them in meeting tuition.

Further, Embry-Riddle's Prescott campus will provide the NSF scholarship recipients a minimum assurance of up to $5,000 annually in other scholarships and grants funded by Embry-Riddle. This is in addition to other federal and state programs that provide assistance for which the student qualifies. Overall, these financial packages will satisfy a substantial part of a student's financial needs.

The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program provides institutions with funds for student scholarships to encourage and enable students to complete their bachelor's degree and enter the workforce or attend graduate school. NSF S-STEM promotes and advances scientific progress in the United States by competitively awarding grants and cooperative agreements for research and education in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

"Embry-Riddle provides a rigorous and advanced educational program to prepare the graduate for many fields in the aviation industry," said Randy Reynolds, Professor of Aeronautical Science. "The grant will open up opportunities for a wider range of new students for the College of Aviation at the Prescott campus."

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science combines flight training with academic preparation in the technical and managerial aspects of aviation. The program is set up to allow students to choose from three areas of specialization in the degree program: Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Military Pilot. Students will receive flight training in Cessna 172s and Piper Seminole twin-engine aircraft and will use state-of-the-art aircraft flight simulators.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Meteorology offers students cutting-edge technology in a new Weather Center and computer-equipped classrooms that helps them understand and forecast complex atmospheric phenomena ranging from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to cyclones, fronts, and jet streams to global climate and how it is changing. The Bachelor of Science in Applied Meteorology provides a practical understanding of the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere and prepares the graduate for a range of meteorologist positions in government or industry.

According to Mark Sinclair, Ph.D., Chair of the Applied Meteorology Department at Embry-Riddle's Prescott campus, "This grant provides support for highly motivated students who are fascinated by weather to gain an undergraduate degree in meteorology at a prestigious private college with advanced technological observing equipment, computer labs, and enthusiastic faculty with real-world experience."

Embry-Riddle hopes to draw qualified students from the Upward Bound/Math Science Regional Center established on the campus. Both Upward Bound programs are federally funded for high school students. Each program helps participants prepare for success in higher education. Students who participate in these programs are from families who meet the federal guidelines for financial eligibility and/or are first-generation college students.

David Viger, Ed.D., Interim Director of TRIO Programs at Embry-Riddle, commented, "I am absolutely thrilled about the NSF Grant. It is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for graduating high school seniors who qualify and are interested in pursuing a degree in Applied Meteorology or Aeronautical Science. These degree programs prepare NSF Scholar winners for a great-paying job following graduation and for success as a graduate student as well. Those students who qualify for Upward Bound programs, whether they have participated in the program or not, should apply as soon as possible so as not to miss this opportunity."

Students, parents, or high school counselors who are interested in learning more about the grant, including eligibility and the application filing deadline, should contact Debra Cates at Embry-Riddle's Office of Admissions at the Prescott campus at (928) 777-6600 or (800)-888-3728. Embry- Riddle's Prescott campus is at 3700 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301- 3720.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. The university educates more than 34,000 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 130 centers in the United States and Europe, and through online learning. For more information, visit www.erau.edu.