Student Awards & Scholarships

Auxiliary to the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship

The NSPE-TX Education Foundation Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship is awarded annually to a female undergraduate entering or continuing their junior year of a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program.

Amount: $5,000

• The scholarship is awarded in one disbursement of $5,000 at the beginning of the junior year.
• Multiple awards are potentially available.

Requirements:

• Female student;
• Declared in a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program;
• Entering or continuing their junior year of the program;
• A U.S. citizen

One nomination per engineering department at the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing.

Applications must include the following:

• A completed application form with the Student Member number;
• A transcript, to date;
• A resume or summary of internship/co-op experience(s) and involvement in other activities (recommendations from supervisors may also be submitted for additional consideration);
• Recommendations from two faculty members who have taught the applicant ;
• A 500-word (maximum) essay on your "Engineering Career Goals & Aspirations to Achieve Them.

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply: 

• One candidate will be selected from all submissions to submit to the Auxiliary to the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.
• Deliver complete application to Dean of Engineering and Computing c/o Jennifer Mashburn, Program Administrator MS-364
• If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Mashburn at jm9@rice.edu.

Once the application requirements are reviewed, complete the online application form.

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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.

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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 two (2) recipients per academic program to the following departments:

• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• 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.

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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: Junior students who have declared a major in one of the following areas are eligible:

• 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.

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Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts ^{(Application & Award Process under revision for Spring 2025)}

The Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts provides stipends to undergraduate students in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing who are rising juniors, seniors, or fifth years and have demonstrated 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: $2,000-$4,000 — Up to two awards may be given

Requirements:

• Junior, senior, fifth-year undergraduate engineering students are eligible
• Student must be able to demonstrate involvement in performing, visual or written arts

Application Materials:

• A written statement describing the performing, visual, and/or written arts activities in which student have been involved, including specific roles if the activity was as part of an ensemble.
• The statement should include participation in activities at Rice or outside of Rice but with the Houston metropolitan area while a student was enrolled at Rice.
• List honors, prizes, or other recognition earned through these activities
• Resume

Application deadline: March 3 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply: Complete the form to apply for the Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts

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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 - 4,000 — Up to two scholarships might be awarded.

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.

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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

Outstanding Nomination 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 the Texas 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.

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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: Half tuition 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: Spring 2024 Application Link

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.

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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. For specific details on each award, please visit REA.

Amount: Varies based on award

Requirements: Applications submitted to REA review committee

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

How to apply: Visit the REA website to apply for the Rice Engineering Alumni Scholarships

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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. This award will not support study abroad programs.

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

How to apply: 

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.
• Once you've reviewed the application requirements, click here to apply for Support for Student Initiatives funding.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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NSPE-TX Student of the Year Award

NSPE-TX Student of the Year Award is given to one engineering student currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering program.

Amount: Awarded by and presented at their Annual Conference

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled and in good standing within Rice
• Current member of NSPE/TSPE
• Current U.S. Citizen
• Completed application at link below

Application deadline: February 1 @ 5:00pm CST

How to apply:

• Complete and sign the full NSPE-TX Application Form (see link for full application requirements).
• Deliver your completed packet by the deadline above to: Jennifer Mashburn, Program Administrator c/o Dean of Engineering and Computing's Office MS 364.
• Each engineering school selects one candidate to forward to the NSPE-TX.
• If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Mashburn at mashburn@rice.edu or (713) 348-4656.

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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.

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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​.

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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.

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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.