USA Scholarships
Robert A. Ellis Physics Scholarship 2027
The Robert A. Ellis Scholarships in Physics pays $1,000 to one African American undergraduate physics major each year through the National Society of Black Physicists. NSBP established the Ellis fund to recognize Black students building depth across core physics, from classical mechanics through quantum coursework, not only aerospace tracks. You must be a junior or senior physics major at an accredited four-year college or research university, and NSBP evaluates versatility, judgment, academic record, and any independent study work shown in your file. Physics directories and CareerOneStop historically set the deadline on January 12 with applications sent to the scholarship committee chair in Arlington, Virginia, or [email protected]. Membership benefits pages note that NSBP awards multiple undergraduate scholarships annually, so download the current Ellis checklist before you assume mailing instructions from older listings.
What is the Robert A. Ellis Scholarships in Physics?
Robert A. Ellis Scholarships in Physics puts NSBP money behind African American undergraduates who are already deep into a physics major, not still shopping for a field. The National Society of Black Physicists runs the fund as one of several $1,000 undergraduate awards each cycle, alongside memorial scholarships that spotlight space science and optical physics. You will not get a full ride here. What you do get is cash you can aim at textbooks, lab fees, or conference registration, plus recognition from the professional home for Black physicists.
NSBP expects juniors and seniors at four-year colleges and research universities. Judges read for scientific maturity: how you handle independent study, whether your transcript shows real physics depth, and whether your references can speak to judgment under pressure. The historical deadline sits on January 12, which means you should line up official transcripts while professors are still answering email in December. Application delivery has shifted over the years between mailed packets and member-only portals, so treat [email protected] as your source of truth.
If you are stacking NSBP awards, read the eligibility for each fund carefully. The Ellis scholarship targets general physics excellence, while the Michael P. Anderson Space Science Scholarship and Ronald E. McNair Space and Optical Physics Scholarship emphasize aerospace and optics tracks. Membership also opens doors to the Simons-NSBP summer research cohort when that cycle is live. For broader STEM support outside NSBP, see the Supporting STEM Scholarship when its quarterly window opens.
Eligibility
-
✓African American undergraduateNSBP scholarship listings require African American applicants. The Ellis award supports Black physics majors pursuing careers across academia, industry, and national labs.
-
✓Physics major at a four-year institutionYou must major in physics at an accredited four-year college or research university in the United States. Pre-physics sophomores should wait until they meet junior standing requirements.
-
✓Junior or senior class standingApplicants need to be in the junior or senior year when they apply. NSBP uses that window to review upper-level coursework and research potential.
-
✓Strong academic and research potentialSelection weighs scientific ability, versatility, sound judgment, major strengths and weaknesses, and performance in independent study documented through transcripts and references.
-
✓Complete NSBP application packageSubmit the full scholarship application, official transcripts, and any required envelopes or reference materials listed in the current NSBP instructions.
-
✓NSBP membership recommendedNSBP membership benefits pages highlight scholarship access for members. Create or renew membership at nsbp.org if the current cycle requires it.
Benefits
- Cash scholarship $1,000
- Number of awards 1 per year
- Renewable One-time only
- Summer research stipend Not included (see Simons-NSBP program separately)
- Conference travel Not covered
- Tuition paid directly to school Paid to recipient per NSBP rules
Document checklist
-
✓NSBP Robert A. Ellis application formRequest the current application from nsbp.org or [email protected]. Older listings referenced a paper packet mailed to the scholarship committee chair.
-
✓Official academic transcriptsSend official transcripts showing junior or senior physics coursework, cumulative GPA, and independent study grades if applicable.
-
✓Self-addressed stamped envelopeHistorical NSBP instructions asked for a stamped envelope when mailing paper applications to Arlington, Virginia. Confirm whether email submission replaced mail.
-
✓Independent study or research summaryIf you completed physics research or an independent study, summarize the project and outcomes in the application narrative or an attached statement.
-
✓Reference contact informationBe ready to supply faculty mentors who can speak to your scientific judgment and potential if NSBP requests references for this cycle.
-
✓NSBP membership confirmationKeep your membership receipt or student member ID handy if the updated form ties scholarship eligibility to active NSBP membership.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Who was Robert A. Ellis in NSBP history?
Robert A. Ellis is honored through an NSBP undergraduate physics scholarship aimed at African American juniors and seniors. The society groups the Ellis award with other named funds for Black physicists, including memorial scholarships tied to space science pioneers.
How much is the Robert A. Ellis NSBP scholarship?
The award is $1,000 paid once to a single recipient each cycle according to CareerOneStop and NSBP scholarship listings.
Do I need to be a physics major for the Ellis scholarship?
Yes. NSBP restricts the fund to undergraduate physics majors at four-year colleges or research universities. Astronomy or astrophysics majors may qualify if your degree is housed within physics; confirm with NSBP if your department name differs.
When is the Robert A. Ellis scholarship deadline?
Historical NSBP listings used January 12. Because the society updates forms periodically, email [email protected] at the start of your junior or senior year to confirm the exact 2027 date.
Is NSBP membership required for the Ellis scholarship?
Membership benefits pages emphasize scholarships for NSBP members, and other NSBP funds explicitly require membership. Treat active student membership as strongly recommended and verify whether the Ellis form makes it mandatory this cycle.
Can graduate students apply for the Robert A. Ellis award?
No. Directory listings limit the Ellis scholarship to junior and senior undergraduates majoring in physics. Graduate students should explore other NSBP awards or research internships instead.
How do I submit the Robert A. Ellis application?
Older instructions mailed the packet to the Scholarship Committee Chair, National Society of Black Physicists, 6704G Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22205, with official transcripts and [email protected] as the contact email. Download the current instructions before mailing or uploading.
How is the Ellis scholarship winner chosen?
NSBP evaluates scientific abilities and potential, including versatility, judgment, academic strengths or weaknesses, and independent study performance reflected in transcripts and application materials.
Scholarship Union
More in-depth scholarship guides curated by experts.
Related guides
Always verify scholarship details on the official source before applying. Information on this page may change.
Visit official website