Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship

Name: Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship (Council of the Great City Schools)

Award Amount: $5,000 (one-time award)

Information And Eligibility:
The Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship was created to expand access to STEM education for students from underrepresented communities who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Named in honor of Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.—a former NASA astronaut, physician, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized advocate for STEM education—the scholarship reflects his belief that education is a critical driver of progress, economic growth, and innovation.

This program is administered in partnership with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) and focuses on increasing awareness and opportunity for students from large urban school districts. Each year, four scholarships are awarded: two to Black students and two to Hispanic students who are completing their senior year of high school in a CGCS member district. The program intentionally supports both male and female students, awarding two scholarships to boys and two to girls annually.

Applicants must be planning to pursue a STEM degree at a four-year college or university and must be accepted for full-time enrollment in the upcoming academic year. The scholarship is designed for students who not only excel academically but who also demonstrate leadership, initiative, or community service related to STEM. Examples may include participation in STEM clubs, research projects, robotics teams, coding programs, science fairs, mentoring, tutoring, or community outreach focused on math or science education.

Dr. Bernard Harris serves as a powerful role model for scholarship recipients. As the first African American to walk in space and a lifelong advocate for education equity, his career exemplifies the impact that access to education and mentorship can have on individual success and broader societal advancement. Recipients of this scholarship join a legacy of students committed to using STEM education as a pathway to leadership and service.

Applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 and attend a high school located within a Council of the Great City Schools district. The program is competitive, and applicants are evaluated on academic performance, leadership skills, community involvement, and their demonstrated commitment to pursuing a STEM career. No individual may receive more than one scholarship administered by the Council of the Great City Schools in the same academic year.

To apply, students must submit an online application that includes documentation of STEM coursework completed, two one-page essays, an official high school transcript, and two short recommendation forms completed by individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic or leadership achievements. These materials help the selection committee assess the student’s readiness for rigorous STEM study and long-term career potential.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must identify as African American or Hispanic
• Must be a high school senior attending a Council of the Great City Schools member district
• Must be accepted for full-time enrollment at a four-year college or university
• Must plan to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) degree
• Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, or community service in STEM

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application
• List of STEM courses completed in high school
• Two one-page essays
• Official high school transcript
• Two completed recommendation forms

Additional Details:

• Four awards granted annually (two male, two female recipients)
• No applicant may receive more than one CGCS-administered scholarship in the same academic year
• Employees or immediate family members of ExxonMobil, The Harris Foundation, or CGCS are not eligible

Deadline: April

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