Main Content

Preparing Students to
Make an Impact

The Kummer Vanguard Scholars program provides scholarships to up to 250 undergraduate STEM scholars each year, based on academic and non-academic criteria. Each scholar is awarded $2,000 per year for up to four years, and may be combined with other university scholarships.

Each semester, Kummer Vanguard Scholars are provided with experiences that complement what they learn in their labs and classrooms, and expands upon the opportunities available to them as they pursue a STEM degree at Missouri S&T.

Female student wearing a navy blue t-shirt sits at a table.

As a Kummer Vanguard Scholar, I can always find help. The program is inclusive and supportive. If you're struggling, there's always someone to lean on.”

— Destini Atkins
Kummer Vanguard Scholar studying aerospace engineering

Learn More and Apply

Learn more about the application process, eligibility and requirements — and apply to become a Kummer Vanguard Scholar.

Apply Now

Requirements to maintain eligibility

The Kummer Vanguard Scholars Program guides students through an exploration of entrepreneurship, research, design and build, social responsibility, and leadership. Once admitted to the program, scholars must meet the following requirements to remain active and eligible for the scholarship:

  • Maintain a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA
  • Be in good standing in a STEM major of study
  • Maintain full-time status as a Missouri S&T student
  • Participate in a minimum of 80% of the required program initiatives each semester (15 hours). Program initiatives will be offered at various times and days each semester to ensure all scholars have numerous opportunities to attend
  • Attend information sessions as requested

In your first semester you are required to attend:

  • The Kummer Vanguard Scholars Kick-Off event
  • Five speaker sessions, during which you’ll hear insights from entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders about how the five focus areas shaped their career trajectory
  • Six Student Well-Being certification program activities, which will help you build a strong holistic foundation to support your success
  • Three scholars connection activities, which provide an opportunity to connect with fellow scholars, challenge your thinking, and begin building a network

During the second semester, to remain active in the program and eligible for the scholarship, scholars must:

  • Submit goal setting and reflections for the various activities of the semester to enhance learning and personal development skills
  • Participate in activities to develop an understanding of the five focus areas with other Kummer Vanguard Scholars in small groups throughout the semester
  • Be involved with at least one co-curricular activity, such as a student organization, student design team, or employment position on or off campus, Kummer Vanguard Student Steering Committee, Miner Creativity Challenge, 
  • Two speaker sessions, during which you'll hear insights from entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders about how the five focus areas shaped their career trajectory
  • Three scholar connection activities, which provide an opportunity to connect with fellow scholars, challenger your thinking, and begin building a network

You will take greater control of your experience moving forward as you self-select into one of the five focus areas you want to explore: entrepreneurship, leadership, social responsibility, design and build, or research.  

  • Submit goal setting and reflections for the various activities of the semester to enhance learning and personal development
  • Participate in programs such OURE (counts for full academic year), our Kummer Colloquiums,  Kummer Vanguard Student Steering Committee, Kummer Vanguard Peer Leader, Opening week mentor, or if preferred, a more focused involvement in organizations, design teams, employment on campus, athletics, Kummer Vanguard Student Steering Committee,  fraternities, or sororities (it is expected you will be serving as an officer or have responsibilities greater than general members at this stage in the program)
  • Establish your own project:
    • The project can be for one semester or for the entire year
    • The project must address one of the five focus areas: entrepreneurship, leadership, social responsibility, design and build, or research

Failure to actively participate in the track you select will result in the loss of your scholarship.

Recent News