Applications for Spring 2026 are open. The Priority Deadline to apply is October 15, 2025 (guaranteed review of your application). After the priority deadline, we will continue to review applications until all scholarship spots are filled.
- Save the date: New Scholar Orientation will be on Sunday, January 11th, 2026 from noon to 5:00 PM.
Scholars will be selected based on the eligibility criteria outlined below, in addition to demonstrated leadership and/or academic potential. Selected scholars must remain in good academic standing with a UCF GPA of 3.0 or better and remain within the majors of the CHAMPS program.
The CHAMPS program will award a scholarship of up to $10,000 per year ($5,000 in the fall semester, $5,000 in the spring semester). The scholarship amount is limited by unmet financial need.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, be sure you meet the following criteria:
- Majoring in Chemistry (B.S.), Forensic Science, Physics (B.S. or B.A.), or Photonic Science and Engineering B.S. (Students who are pending Photonics are also eligible to apply).
- Enrolled at least half-time, defined at UCF as 6 – 8 credits per semester.
- Have demonstrated unmet financial need according to a current FAFSA.
- Domestic. Per NSF, scholars must be citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Please note that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) individuals are ineligible for support from this solicitation unless they meet the requirements listed in the first sentence of this bullet by the time of application for scholarship support.
- Note: if selected, CHAMPS scholars must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
After you have carefully reviewed the eligibility criteria and believe you are eligible to apply, collect the following information to prepare your application:
Application Materials
- UCF ID number (FAQ:What are my NID and my UCFID?)
- High School Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) – must be compiled into a single PDF file.
- UCF myKnight Audit PDF (for current UCF students) How do I view myKnight Audit? – Registrar’s Office
- The semester you started (or anticipate starting) at UCF.
- The semester you anticipate graduating from UCF.
- Full name and e-mail address for 2 references. Preferably, at least one is a science teacher, but this is not a requirement.
- In addition, you should send your references a link to the CHAMPS reference form. You should send them the link to this form to complete before the application deadline.
- Prepare your responses to the prompts below. This is where we get to know you. Please do not use AI to draft your response. If you use an AI Tool for another purpose, e.g. to create an outline, disclose specifically how it was used at the end of this page.
- Prompt 1: Describe how a prior STEM course, extracurricular activity, or experience sparked your interest in the major(s) you have declared (or are considering). Your response should be between 250-300 words.
- Prompt 2: Imagine yourself after graduating as a UCF CHAMPS scholar. Tell a prospective CHAMPS scholar how the program helped make you successful and why they should apply. In your response, give specific examples of CHAMPS programming that supported your success. Your response should be between 250-300 words.
- Prompt 3: Think about an experience when a teacher, mentor, counselor, etc. helped you with your academic journey. Explain what resources or advice they gave you and how it helped you be successful. Your response should be between 250-300 words.
- Prompt 4: CHAMPS scholars will have opportunities to mentor and lead newer scholars. Tell us about a mentoring or leadership experience you’ve had and how you drew on your own experiences to guide your approach. Your response should be between 250-300 words.
- Disclose specifically how you used AI Tools, if any. For example, a response edited with help from Copilot should be described as: “Copilot. Accessed 2025-09-05. Prompt: ‘Edit this response for clarity.’”
After you have collected all of the information required for the application, apply here.