Coherent / II-VI Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Coherent / II-VI Foundation

Coherent / II-VI Foundation Scholarship — Scannable Guide

Description
The Coherent / II‑VI Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in science, mathematics and engineering by providing financial awards that encourage hands‑on, industry‑oriented training. The program is explicitly for students enrolled in four‑year baccalaureate programs; it does not support certificate or associate’s degree candidates. The scholarship emphasizes real‑world manufacturing, engineering, or science experience in an industrial setting as a distinguishing feature of the program.

Key takeaways:
- Supports undergraduate study in science, math and engineering at the bachelor’s level only.
- Not available for certificate or associate degrees.
- Emphasizes practical, industry‑based experience alongside academics.

Eligibility
Eligibility defines who may apply (or renew) and which disciplines the program supports. First‑time applicants may be Freshmen, Sophomores or Juniors; Seniors are not eligible to apply for the first time but may apply if they are renewing an existing scholarship. The Foundation primarily targets majors such as electrical and chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, mathematics and mechanical engineering; other engineering disciplines may be considered at the Scholarship Selection Committee’s discretion.

Key takeaways:
- First‑time applicants: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior only.
- Seniors can apply only for scholarship renewal, not as first‑time applicants.
- Primary majors accepted; additional engineering fields may be considered by committee discretion.

Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must meet several minimum academic and experiential criteria to be considered. Minimum academic standards include a 3.3+ unweighted GPA; incoming freshmen must meet an SAT ≥1200 or ACT ≥26. A unique and mandatory requirement is 360 hours (nine weeks) of manufacturing‑, engineering‑ or science‑related work experience in an industrial setting completed within the qualifying period. The application process also requires an essay, a personal interview, and a clean disciplinary record.

Key takeaways:
- Minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA required.
- Freshman minimum standardized scores: SAT 1200 or ACT 26.
- Mandatory 360 hours (nine weeks) of relevant industrial work experience.
- Essay, personal interview, and no disciplinary record required.

Award Value
The Foundation’s current award levels are differentiated by class standing and may be renewable; amounts and renewal options are subject to Foundation policy. Incoming freshmen are eligible for awards of up to $5,000. Upperclass applicants (sophomore/junior and renewing seniors) are eligible for awards of up to $10,000.

Key takeaways:
- Freshmen: up to $5,000 per award.
- Upperclass/renewing students: up to $10,000 per award.
- Awards may be renewable according to Foundation policy.

Application Timeline
The program requires that the industrial work experience be completed within a specific annual window and that applicants plan accordingly. The required 360 hours must occur between October 1 and August 31 of the year in which the candidate applies. While the Foundation does not publish a single universal deadline in this summary, applicants should align their work experience and academic calendar to meet the October–August window and be ready for essay submission and interviews following that period.

Key takeaways:
- Required industrial experience window: Oct 1 through Aug 31 of the application year.
- Complete 360 hours within that window before applying.
- Prepare essays and be available for interview after experience completion.

Selection and Competitiveness
Selection is competitive and merit‑based; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an award. The Scholarship Selection Committee evaluates academic records, the quality and relevancy of industrial work experience, essay responses and interview performance. The committee also retains discretion to accept other engineering disciplines based on the demonstrated quality of applicants’ practical experience.

Key takeaways:
- Meeting minima is necessary but not sufficient—competition is strong.
- Committee evaluates academic performance, experiential quality, essay and interview.
- Committee discretion can allow additional engineering disciplines if work experience is compelling.

History of the Award
The scholarship program began in 2007 and has evolved in award size and geographic reach since inception. Initial awards in 2007 were $5,000 potentially renewable; in 2008 the Board increased awards up to $10,000 with multi‑year renewal options. The program added international scholarships in 2014, adjusted award levels in 2016 to the current freshman/upperclass distinctions, and continued growth: for the 2024–2025 year, 47 students were awarded scholarships (including 10 international recipients), with high academic achievement among awardees.

Key takeaways:
- Launched in 2007 with $5,000 awards; expanded and increased in subsequent years.
- International scholarships introduced in 2014.
- 2016 change set current freshmen/up‑class award structure.
- 2024–25: 47 recipients; 10 international; strong GPA performance among awardees.

For applicants: review the eligibility and requirements carefully, complete the required industrial experience within the specified window, prepare a strong essay and be ready for a personal interview—only a limited number of highly competitive awards are available.