College of Science

A Recognition of Academic Potential

Ten $2000 renewable scholarships will be competitively awarded to incoming freshmen, and will be awarded in addition to the regular financial aid package offered by the University. After the initial award, the Scholarship is renewable from year to year for three additional years (for a total of four years of support) subject to the recipient.

About the Birck-Tellabs Scholarship

Michael and Kay Birck became involved at BenU when their son, Christopher, enrolled as a student. Michael was a member of the President's Advisory Council and served on the Board of Trustees, including as chairman, from 1988 until his passing in 2015. One of the many philanthropic efforts of which he and Kay have taken part, was sponsoring the annual Educare Scholarship Ball, which raised money for students in need of financial assistance. Michael is founder of Tellabs, Inc. and he and Kay have made many generous contributions, particularly in the area of science. The Birck Family–Tellabs Foundation Endowed Scholarships enable the University to compete for the best and the brightest STEM students and to ensure that high-ability students, irrespective of family means, have access to the University’s strong STEM programs.

Program Requirements

• Remain a major within one of the three broad areas in the College of Science (Biological Science, Mathematical & Computational Science, or Physical Science);
• Make satisfactory progress (as defined by applicable College of Science policies) toward a bachelor’s degree;
• Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum average GPA of 3.0 in all Science courses;
• Abide by the expectations and responsibilities of a student in good standing in accordance with the University’s Student Handbook, with no infractions that have resulted in major sanctions by the University as determined by the Selection Committee.
• Conform to all rules, regulations, and disciplinary measures established by the University. The University reserves the right to cancel the Scholarship of, and dismiss from the University, any student who has violated the rules and regulations, or who, by misconduct, has reflected discredit on the good name of the University or any of its representatives.

For More Information, Contact:

Click Here for the Online Application

Birck-Tellabs Scholars Criteria*

• Declared an academic major in the College of Science by the time of matriculation. Eligible majors include: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering Science, Health Science, Mathematics, or Physics.
• A minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• A minimum composite ACT score of 26 or an SAT score of 1230 or above
• The priority deadline for applications is February 1, 2021. We will accept applications after that date until May 1, or the program is full. Awardees will be notified beginning February 15.

PLTW students receive special consideration for competitive COS scholarships and honors programs. Click the logo for more information.