The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, one of the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States, seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support college students who show exceptional promise of becoming this Nation's next generation of research leaders in these fields. Applicants must intend to pursue a research career in natural sciences, mathematics or engineering. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or national from the 50 States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and any other territory or possession of the United States; or a permanent resident. A permanent resident must submit a photocopy of their Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card. Accredited U.S. academic institutions that have a Foundation identified Goldwater Campus Representative may nominate up to four currently or previously matriculated students annually. A student may not be nominated by more than one institution in a competition cycle. A four-year school may nominate a 5th student if one or more of the nominated students is a transfer student or U.S. Veteran. They may nominate up to six students if they have both a transfer student and a U.S. Veteran. Scholars who receive the award as sophomores can expect to receive support for a maximum of two years (4 semesters) or until graduation, if sooner. Scholars who receive the award as juniors can expect to receive support for a maximum of one year (2 semesters) or until graduation, if sooner. Applicants are required to submit a research essay and three letters of recommendation. First Tuesday in September, the Goldwater online application opens. From early September to late January, individual internal campus deadlines are determined by each institution's Goldwater Campus Representative. The last Friday in January is the Goldwater Foundation's nomination submission deadline. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.