Investing in women.
Brightening America’s future.
The Foundation for U.S. Women in Optics awards scholarships to help women pursue and advance their education and careers in optics and photonics.
Apply for the ScholarshipAbout the Foundation
The Foundation for US Women in Optics awards merit and need-based tuition scholarships to selected undergraduate women pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Optical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Arizona, Wyant College of Optical Sciences. Awards will be renewable annually to support the completion of a student’s baccalaureate degree provided that the student has declared a major in optical sciences and engineering and continues to meet performance and financial need criteria. Senior leaders in the field may also be available to mentor awardees to facilitate the growth of a cadre of successful women in the field of optics.
The Foundation will award merit-and-need-based tuition scholarships to selected undergraduate women who are US citizens enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in the baccalaureate degree program studying optics at the University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences. The scholarship applies to both in-state and out-of-state tuition.
You will be asked to provide a personal statement, resume, transcripts, information about any pre-existing tuition assistance, and your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) score. You will also be asked to provide names and contact information for two references. The application form is available at uswio.awardspring.com. The deadline for application submission is March 30th for funds applicable to the following academic year.
Tuition scholarships are awarded to students selected by the Foundation Board based on financial need, academic performance, and demonstrated potential to excel in the field of optics. Tuition for fall and spring semesters to support baccalaureate degrees will be disbursed directly to the student’s bursar account. Please note that you must have already declared, or intend to declare, your major in the Bachelor of Sciences, Optical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Arizona’s James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences. Funds are released contingent on your declaring your major.
This is a competitive scholarship. At present, just one new scholarship will be awarded each year. However, if you win the award and continue as a full-time student in Optical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Arizona with satisfactory progress as judged by the Foundation Board, full tuition will be paid for up to three years or the completion of your baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first. The number of new awards may be changed in future years.
Satisfactory progress is deemed by and at the discretion of the FUSWIO Board only, but a GPA of 3.0/4.0 averaged over all undergraduate courses you have taken at the University of Arizona is generally considered a minimum score. Please note that this is only a guideline and that all decisions by the Board are final.
Your scholarship stipend is tailored to your tuition needs. The Foundation for US Women in Optics relies on the University of Arizona Financial Aid Office to determine the amount required to cover your full tuition. We transfer that amount directly to your University of Arizona bursar account to pay for your tuition each semester. If you have further questions about how the USWIO scholarship impacts other financial aid scholarships, grants, or awards, please contact the University of Arizona Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid.
Scholarship Recipient Testimonial
“I am honored to receive the US Foundation for Women in Optics Scholarship. This investment in my education allows me to dedicate my energy entirely to my coursework, research, and professional growth. Thank you to the Foundation for investing in my future and in women pursuing careers in optics—I am honored by your support as my journey continues.”
Lauren Norkus
