Coherent / II-VI Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Coherent / II-VI Foundation

Introduction The Coherent / II‑VI Foundation Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Awards are available only to students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs (certificate and associate’s degree students are not eligible). First‑time applicants may be incoming freshmen, sophomores or juniors; seniors are eligible only if they are renewing an existing Coherent / II‑VI Foundation Scholarship. Eligible fields and focus Scholarships are restricted to majors in science, mathematics and engineering. The Foundation gives particular preference to candidates in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science engineering, mathematics and mechanical engineering. Depending on an applicant’s industrial work experience, the Scholarship Selection Committee may also consider students from industrial engineering, computer engineering and other engineering specialties. The following are not eligible: civil engineering, architectural engineering, petroleum engineering, computer software engineering (software engineers) and students enrolled in pre‑medical programs. History and program evolution - August 2007: The program launched and the first cohort of seven students each received $5,000 in renewable scholarships. - April 2008: The Board of Directors raised the individual award ceiling to $10,000 per student, with the option to request renewal for up to three additional years. - 2014: The Foundation expanded to include international awards. That year 49 domestic scholarships were granted and eight scholarships were awarded to students in Vietnam. - 2016: Award amounts were adjusted so that entering freshmen became eligible for up to $5,000, while returning upper‑class students could receive up to $10,000. - 2024–2025 academic year: Forty‑seven students received scholarships. Applications arrived from around the world, producing a highly competitive pool. Among awardees, 14% held a 4.0 GPA and 84% maintained a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Ten scholarships went to international students. Candidate requirements - Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program (no certificate or associate’s degree candidates). - Eligible first‑time applicants: freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Students entering their senior year who are applying for the first time are not eligible. Seniors who are renewing may apply. - Minimum unweighted GPA: 3.3. - Incoming freshmen must meet standardized test minimums: SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 26. - Required hands‑on industrial experience: nine weeks (360 hours) of manufacturing‑, engineering‑ or science‑related work in an industrial setting. This experience must occur between October 1 and August 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. The intent is to ensure candidates have practical, real‑world exposure outside the classroom. - Applicants must participate in a personal interview. - Submission of an essay is required. - Applicants must have no record of disciplinary infractions. Please note Meeting the stated minimums does not guarantee an award. The scholarship is competitive and the number of available grants is limited.