Win Up to $100,000 for a Research Project You've Already Done

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship rewards students 18 and under for outstanding work in science, technology, engineering, math, literature, and more. If you’ve completed an original project that’s making an impact, you could earn national recognition!

What’s Happening Today!

Welcome to a daily drop from That Black Chemist! 

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is now open for students under 18 who’ve completed a significant research, technology, or STEM project. Winners can earn up to $100,000 in scholarships and gain national recognition for their work. Whether your project is from school, a summer program, or your own deep curiosity, this is your shot to be celebrated as a young innovator.

Meanwhile, in the world of AI, the National Science Foundation just announced a $100 million investment to launch five National AI Research Institutes and a central AI innovation hub. With backing from Intel and Capital One, these institutes will focus on challenges like STEM education, mental health, drug discovery, and materials science all while building a stronger, more inclusive AI workforce.

And if you love memes, stay tuned through the end!

Upcoming Opportunities

🎓 Davidson Fellows Scholarship — Win up to $100,000 for Your Breakthrough Work

Are you 18 or younger and working on a groundbreaking project that could change the world? The prestigious Davidson Fellows Scholarship offers awards of $50,000–$100,000 to high-achieving students who have completed a significant piece of work in STEM, humanities, or other eligible fields. Past winners have conducted graduate-level research, invented new technologies, and made major artistic or societal contributions.

📅 Program Details

  • Next Application Opens: Fall 2025

  • Final Deadline: Sometime February 2026

  • Award Amounts: $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000

  • Location: Award ceremony held in Washington, DC (travel and lodging covered)

  • Submission Type: Solo or 2-person team

  • Application Format: Online, with two parts (initial eligibility check + full submission)

  • Apply Online: [Search Here]

Eligibility

  • Must be 18 or younger as of the February 2026 deadline

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S., or child of active-duty military stationed abroad

  • Must submit one project only that demonstrates extraordinary accomplishment, such as:

    • A novel scientific breakthrough

    • An original invention or creative application of knowledge

    • An interdisciplinary innovation with wide-reaching impact

  • Arts-only projects (e.g., film, sculpture, photography) are not eligible

  • Must have two adult nominators (e.g., mentors, educators)

  • Must attend the in-person awards ceremony if selected

⚠️ Bonus Opportunities You Should Know

  • 🧪 NSF REU Summer Research Programs: List of funded undergrad research programs. (Search here)

  • 🎓 Zintellect: List of scholarships, research fellowships, and internship opportunities funded by the U.S. government or private sector. (Search here)

  • 💰 NASA OSTEM Internships: List of NASA Internships for high school and undergraduate STEM students. (More info)

  • 🪖 Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship: $30,000-$46,000 scholarship awarded to top STEM students. (Link)

🌍 International Opportunities

  • 🧲 Pathways to Science: List of upcoming internships, scholarships, and research programs hosted by any country [open to international students]. (Search here)

  • 🔬 Amgen Scholars Program: Prestigious summer research program for undergraduate students in the U.S., Europe, or Asia. (More info)

  • ⚛️ European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN): Search for any upcoming internships related to chemistry, physics, engineering, or data science! (Link here)

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Scientist’s Scroll

🧠 NSF Invests $100M in AI Research to Secure U.S. Leadership

The National Science Foundation has announced a $100 million public-private investment, in partnership with Capital One and Intel, to fund five cutting-edge National AI Research Institutes and a central hub. These centers will tackle challenges in STEM education, mental health, drug discovery, and materials science while preparing a skilled AI workforce.

Aligned with the White House AI Action Plan and Executive Order 14277, the institutes aim to translate frontier research into real-world solutions and expand AI literacy across communities. Projects include next-gen AI classroom tools, protein-generating diffusion models, molecule design agents, and a cloud-based materials science ecosystem. A national virtual hub will connect the broader AI community and foster innovation across sectors.

Tip of the Day

📃 Gen Eds Aren’t a Waste of Time — They’re Your Secret STEM Advantage

It’s tempting to think general education classes are just hoops to jump through. But if you're a science or engineering major, these “extra” courses might be the smartest investments you’ll ever make.

Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore the power of gen eds:

Better Communication: Whether it’s public speaking, writing, or understanding human behavior, gen eds give you the tools to explain your ideas clearly.

Sharpened Critical Thinking: Philosophy, history, and sociology train you to ask deeper questions, spot logical fallacies, and connect the dots.

Improved Flexibility: Today’s STEM jobs evolve fast. Learning to navigate unfamiliar subjects builds the mental agility needed to switch fields, tackle new problems, or collaborate with non-STEM teammates.

Standing Out: Anyone can solve equations but not everyone can pitch a startup, teach a concept, or write a grant proposal. Gen eds give you range, and that range makes you valuable.

They Make You Human: Science serves society. Understanding art, culture, and history helps you become a scientist or engineer who builds with empathy and purpose.

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Today’s Theme: Meme Monday

Because Mondays suck, here are three science memes to make you laugh!

👇🏾 Vote for your favorite in the comments or share with a lab mate!

🧪 Meme #1

🔬 Meme #2

🥼 Meme #3

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