Flagship program
Riya Bhakkad Memorial Scholarship
In the words of the foundation’s scholarship page, Riya continues to shine as the cherished sunflower of the family, remembered for her compassion, kindness, and passion for STEM. The internship and scholarship were created in her memory.
The program
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) was founded by Om and Saraswati Bahethi in 1977. They founded the Bahethi Family Foundation in 2012. The published program says SSAI and the foundation work together so students can train with people at NASA, NOAA, USDA, USAID, EPA, NIH.
Selected students receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 and spend 12 weeks working remotely with a mentor from SSAI. They may also take part in on-site events at SSAI headquarters and at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, to present their end-of-program work.
The same description says the program supports:
- Real-world experience in a STEM field
- Professional development tied to learning and degree goals
- Communication skills
- Presentation skills
- Networking with stakeholders
- Project management and collaboration
- A growth mindset
It is for currently enrolled college students, at any degree level, who want professional experience in a STEM field and who attend one of the schools below.
Eligibility
The draft said an applicant must be:
- A currently enrolled student at one of these schools:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of North Dakota
- Morgan State University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Christopher Newport University
- In good academic standing with that school
- A currently enrolled student
- Majoring in a STEM field
- Able to take part for the whole program
The school list uses the name North Carolina A&T State University.
What the draft asked applicants to send
The draft said to send one PDF or Word file. It left the address as “{BFF Shared Email}” and the deadline as “XXXX.” Neither has been filled in. Do not mail an application until an address and a date are posted.
- The essay questions, each on its own page
- One academic or professional recommendation letter
- Your most recent unofficial transcript
- A current resume
Essay questions
The draft asked for a concise answer on its own page for each question, and it said “MAXIMUM 200-500 word answer per question.” That range should be confirmed.
- Provide 3 words that describe you, and why.
- What are your personal goals in the next 5 years? How would this program help support those goals?
- What do you think you can contribute to this program? What do you expect to receive?
- In your opinion, how do STEM careers make a societal difference in communities?
- How would this scholarship award help support your financial academic needs?
Questions people ask
Answers below follow the last published draft. Where the draft had no date, this page says so.
When is my application due?
A deadline for the next cycle has not been published. The draft materials told applicants to check this website. Use “Notify me” and the foundation will write when a date is set.
Do I have to be on-site in Maryland?
The published answer said recipients work remotely for the 12-week program, with a chance to come on-site for the last week to present their work to leadership and stakeholders.
What can I expect to gain?
The published answer said participants expand professional skills and experience while working with a mentor in a similar STEM field.
What does the selection committee look for?
The published answer asked for a passion for STEM, a sense of how STEM fields affect communities, and a clear idea of how the program would support the applicant’s own goals.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No GPA cutoff was published. Students do need to be in good academic standing with their school.
Does the program accept international students?
The last published answer said the program could not accept applicants who are not U.S. citizens. Whether that rule still applies has not been confirmed for a future cycle.
Will I be paid?
The program description says an award of up to $10,000. A later answer in the same materials said selected recipients receive $10,000 paid directly to their institution. Those two figures need to be confirmed before anyone applies.
Does this award school credit?
The published answer said credit is decided by the student’s school. Anyone who needs credit should say so before the program starts.
Do I need to be enrolled?
Yes. The published rule said recipients must be currently enrolled students, in a STEM major, at one of the listed schools, and able to take part for the whole program.
Who will I work with?
The published answer said students work with a mentor and have regular check-ins with Bahethi Family Foundation program staff.
When are students notified?
A notification date has not been published.
Notify me when applications open
This is not an application. It asks the foundation to email you when a real deadline and address are published.