What Is the Davidson Fellows Scholarship?
The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship recognizes extraordinary students 18 and under who have completed a “significant piece of work” in one of eight categories: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or Outside the Box.
With awards of $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000, fund tuition and related expenses at accredited institutions, the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship celebrates projects at or near the college-graduate level with potential to benefit society.
Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (solo or two-person teams), the scholarship has honored 20–21 recipients annually in recent years, with recipients attending a Washington, D.C., awards event. From robotics to poetry, it’s a platform for young innovators to advance their education and impact.
Who Is Eligible for the Davidson Fellows Scholarship?
To qualify for the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Be 18 or younger as of February 12, 2025
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S., or stationed overseas due to active U.S. military duty
- Have completed a significant piece of work* in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or Outside the Box (solo or as a two-person team)
- Be available (with a parent/guardian) to attend an awards reception in Washington, D.C., in September 2025 (travel and lodging provided)
*Ineligible: Community service projects, literature reviews, or work not at the college-graduate level. The scholarship targets gifted students with exceptional depth in
Davidson Fellows Scholarship Requirements
To apply for the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship, submit these materials based on your category:
- Initial Application: Via the Scholarship Institute website, submit a brief project description to confirm eligibility (approved in 1–2 business days).
- Full Application: After approval, submit:
- Science: A research report (no page limit specified) in biology, chemistry, physics, etc., with a visual model (e.g., graphs, photos) and code if applicable. Include ISEF forms for tissue projects. Human subjects or live vertebrates are not eligible, except zebrafish <168 hours post-fertilization). Invertebrates like C. elegans, Drosophila, Hydra are eligible. Google Docs or videos are not accepted.
- Technology: A research report (no page limit specified) in computer programming, AI, robotics, or other, with a visual model (e.g., diagrams, photos) and code (documented original vs. acquired). No human subjects, live vertebrates, or Google Docs or videos.
- Engineering: A research report (15 pages max) in bioengineering, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, mechanical, or other domain, with a visual model (e.g., photos, graphs). Include code if applicable and ISEF forms if tissue-related (no human subjects or live vertebrates, except zebrafish <168 hours post-fertilization).
- Mathematics: A research report (no page limit specified) in calculus, geometry, number theory, or other (e.g., algebra, probability), with a visual model (e.g., graphs, diagrams). Google Docs are not accepted.
- Literature: A portfolio (60–75 pages) of three genres—fiction (30 pages max for novel excerpts), nonfiction (no school reports), poetry (performance links optional), or drama/screenplay. Type in English, 11–12 pt font, 1.5/double-spaced (poetry single-spaced). Pieces must have been created/updated within three years. Google Docs are not accepted.
- Music: Portfolio as composer (3+ scores with recordings, MIDI okay), classical instrumentalist (45-min audition video of 3 periods—Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary—plus 1-year public performance video), or other instrumentalist (45-min audition video with 1 solo from manuscript, 3 pieces, plus 1-year performance). A repertoire list is also required for instrumentalists. Google Docs are not accepted.
- Philosophy: A portfolio (table of contents, 3–5 pieces of max 3,000 words, including a bibliography) analyzing human thought or culture, typed in English, 11–12 pt font, 1.5/double-spaced, with bibliography. Google Docs are not accepted.
- Outside the Box: Graduate-level research report or portfolio (no page limit specified) in a unique field, with supplemental materials (e.g., models), typed in English, 11–12 pt font. Include ISEF forms for tissue projects (no human subjects, live vertebrates except zebrafish <168 hours). Community service and visual or performing arts are not eligible. Google Docs are not accepted.
- Nominator Forms: Two forms from experts familiar with your work, sent directly by them.
- Parent Approval Form: One form (per team member if applicable) agreeing to attend the awards event.
How to Apply for the Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Applying is a two-step process requiring precision. Here’s how:
- Visit the Davidson Institute Website: Access the application via the Davidson Institute website to start.
- Submit Initial Application: Enter a brief project description for eligibility review (1–2 business days).
- Receive Approval: Get an email to proceed once approved.
- Complete Full Application: Input nominator info (they’ll submit forms), upload your project/portfolio, parent statement, and optional video.
- Review & Submit: Ensure all files are correct (no Google products) and submit by February 12, 2025.
- Monitor Email: Check for updates from DavidsonFellows@DavidsonGifted.org.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates
Here’s the 2025 cycle timeline:
- Application Opens: On or before November 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: On or before February 11, 2026
- Initial Review: On or before February 12, 2026
- Recipient Notification: On or before July 15, 2026
- Awards Event: September 2026 (exact date TBD)
- Funds Disbursement: Likely Fall 2026, following the awards event
Submit early to avoid last-minute issues, as judging follows submission.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
To stand out for the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship, focus on these:
- Highlight Significance: Show your work’s originality and societal impact (e.g., a new idea or replicable advance).
- Demonstrate Expertise: Ensure your project reflects college-graduate-level depth, not novice effort.
- Choose Strong Nominators: Select experts who know your work well and can detail its merit.
- Polish Your Submission: Have a fresh reader check for clarity; avoid errors in uploads.
- Meet Category Rules: Tailor your project precisely to the requirements of a specific category (Science, Technology, Literature, etc.)
A meticulous, impactful application showcasing your genius is key.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Who is eligible?
Students 18 or under (by Feb 12, 2025), U.S. citizens/permanent residents, with significant work in an eligible category.
What are the requirements?
Submit an initial project outline, the complete significant work (a creative application, impactful idea, innovative solution, replicable advancement, interdisciplinary discovery, prodigious performance, or other extraordinary feat recognized by experts for its societal benefit), two nominator forms from field experts, a parent statement agreeing to attend awards events, and an optional video—all through the Scholarship Institute or official website.
For teams (up to two members, both 18 or under), split scholarship funds evenly and ensure both attend events, with two nominators still required. Note: Arts projects like photography or film are not eligible.
What is the scholarship amount?
$100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 for educational expenses.
How competitive is the Davidson Fellows Scholarship?
Highly selective, with 20–21 winners annually from many applicants, judged by experts.
Can I apply if I’m already in college?
Yes, if 18 or under with an eligible project (not post-bac/postdoc).
How are funds distributed?
Post-event, for tuition at accredited institutions.
Our Editorial Team, with a rich background in educational content creation, prioritizes accuracy and quality in every article. We are committed to producing expert content tailored to meet the academic needs of college and high school students, ensuring they receive well-researched and trustworthy information for their educational journey.