Scholarships

We are pleased to offer a variety of endowed scholarships, awards, fellowships, and assistantships for which SCI students may apply. These opportunities, which are funded through the generosity of alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations, are offered to students who demonstrate academic accomplishments and leadership skills. All SCI scholarships are posted via the PittFund$Me portal available on my.pitt.edu.

All or Multi-Degree Program Scholarships

• The Barbara E. King Scholarship Award supports outstanding undergraduate or graduate students. Preference is given to students who will improve the diversity of the School’s undergraduate population.
• Russell “Rusty” A. Howard II Memorial Scholarship: To provide support for tuition & other education related expenses for grad student(s) at SCI. Preference given to a student(s) pursuing a master's degree in computer science or information science.
• SCI Scholarship Fund: Occasionally funds are available for specific awards by generous alumni and other donors. These opportunities will have specific announcements internal to departments or the school. Please watch your emails and announcements.
• Gerald and Catherine Smith Student Resource Fund: Support for undergraduate student(s) in SCI for education-related expenses exclusive to tuition and room and board. Preference will be given to student(s) pursuing a digital narrative and interactive design major.
• Elizabeth U. Baranger Predoctoral Fellowship: This predoctoral fellowship honors Professor Elizabeth U. Baranger, who in 2004 retired as the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies. Incoming PhD students of any gender in STEM fields who support the mission of Dr. Baranger to improve the status of women at the University of Pittsburgh and in STEM fields are eligible for this award. The recipient of the award is chosen by the Office of the Provost with input from the deans of participating schools. The recipient is selected on the basis of academic achievement, potential to contribute significant research to their field, and commitment to Dr. Baranger’s mission. The award provides a 12-month stipend, a full tuition scholarship and health insurance.

Computer Science Program Scholarships

• The Koeppel Family Student Fund: Supports students in the Department of Computer Science and provides support for books, lab fees, travel and other educational expenses for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Jerry and Cathy Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund: Provides tuition and other education-related expensed for enrolled SCI graduate students. First preference to students majoring in computer science.
• Orrin E. and Margaret M. Taulbee Graduate Award for Excellence in Computer Science: This award provides fellowships to students in the PhD program in the Department of Computer Science. Students must be a full-time doctoral student in good standing maintaining at least a 3.0; must have successfully passed the qualifying exam, been admitted to the PhD program and making significant progress toward the degree; must have completed at least 2 semesters as a TA with classroom experience, with preference given to those who evidence outstanding teaching skills; must have demonstrated strong research interests, as indicated by scholarly publications and/or conference proceedings; and a strong preference given to a doctoral student who has shown a marked interest in pursuing an academic career.
• Judith Katany and Daniel Taft Endowed Scholarship Fund: This fund provides financial support for SCI undergraduate students, with a preference for students in the Department of Computer Science.

Information Science and Telecommunication Programs Scholarships

• Mitchell Family Scholarship in the School of Computing and Information: Provides support for tuition & other educational expenses of undergraduate & graduate student(s) in SCI. It is the hope of the Donor that the Scholarship Fund will assist the University in achieving its goal of attracting & retaining students who contribute to the diversity of the student body at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Anthony Debons Scholarship: Presented annually to a graduate student for outstanding contributions to the MIS program. Dr. Debons was a professor in the former School of Information Science and a leader in the information science field for more than forty years.
• Catherine Ofiesh and Gerald Orner Award: An annual award for excellence in information science in memory of Gerald's wife Catherine.
• Ida M. Flynn Memorial Award: Given to students in recognition of excellence and outstanding contributions to the BSIS program who contribute to the advancement of diversity in the school.
• Jennifer and Eric Spiegel Technology and Communications Award: Supports a full-time student in the undergraduate information science program. Students in INFSCI 1044 are invited to submit a 500-1000 word essay about technology and communications. Awardees must have a 3.00 or higher GPA.
• Allen Kent Scholarship Endowment: Allen Kent is a distinguished service professor emeritus at the former School of Information Sciences. The Allen Kent Scholarship Endowment award is presented annually to a student who is enrolled during the academic year in which the scholarship will be given; and through coursework and participation in the activities in the School, and the student should show academic excellence and indications of potential leadership in the profession.
• James G. Williams Scholarship Fund: The James G. Williams Scholarship Fund was created to honor Distinguished Professor Emeritus James G. Williams. The scholarship supports an outstanding student enrolled in the MSIS program.
• Dr. Fritz Froehlich Scholarship: Presented to a graduate student for outstanding contributions to the telecommunications degree program.
• K. Leon Montgomery Assistantship in Telecommunications: Provides support to a full-time master’s student enrolled in the MST program. Preference is given to students who achieve academic excellence through coursework, research, international focus, and leadership.

Library and Information Science Programs Scholarships

• Alumni Anniversary Fellowship of the Carnegie Library School Fund: This fund was established in 1927 from the alumni of Carnegie Library School. This fund provides scholarship grants to the students in the library and information science program.
• Bertha G. Louik Endowed Scholarship: Supports students enrolled in the library and information science program.
• The George D. Brightbill Scholarship: Provides support for tuition and other educational expenses for MLIS  student(s) at SCI.
• The Dr. Joan Brest Friedberg Scholarship (Requires an application): For part-time, in-state students enrolled in the MLIS program. Scholarship candidates must be employed in and/or express an interest in and an ability to pursue a career in public librarianship. Students must submit a resume, an essay addressing reasons for pursuing studies in public librarianship, 3.0 GPA or higher, statement of interest, and potential to contribute to the field. The scholarship was established to honor Dr. Joan Brest Friedberg, co-founder of Beginning with Books.
• E.J. Josey Scholarship for Minorities in Library Science (Requires an application): In memory of E. J. Josey, professor emeritus at the former School of Information Sciences, this scholarship supports African American MLIS students in SCI. The recipient must be enrolled in the Master of Library Science Program & indicate potential for academic excellence and leadership in the profession. Dr. Josey was a pioneer in the field of library and information science, working tirelessly to integrate libraries and the library workforce.
• Elva S. Smith Scholarships (Requires an application): This scholarship for MLIS students  is awarded to an individual who exhibits potential for contributing to children & young adult services in a public library.
• Frank B. and Anne J. Sessa Scholarship: This endowed scholarship aids students who have demonstrated high academic achievements and an interest in pursuing careers in public library science.
• K. Subramanyam Scholarship for Library and Information Sciences: This scholarship is offered to a library and information science student as a reward for academic excellence.
• Margaret Hodges Quasi-Endowed Scholarship (Requires an application): In honor of the late Margaret Hodges, professor emeritus at the former School of Information Sciences, this fund provides a scholarship for a MLIS student who is pursuing a career in children’s librarianship.
• Nina C. Brotherton Scholarship: The Brotherton Scholarship was established by the Carnegie Library School Class of 1925 to provide financial assistance to students in the LIS program.
• Clair Pyle Fund: Awarded to a female in the MLIS, PhD or certificate programs in the Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship (as funds are available through the Pittsburgh Foundation).
• Blanche Calistri McManus Scholarship Fund: To provide support for tuition and other educational expenses for graduate student(s) in SCI with a preference for students pursuing a library and information science degree.
• Tung-Li and Hui-Hsi Yuan Family Scholarship: Supports students in the MLIS and LIS PhD programs. The intent of this scholarship is to advance leadership in the field of library and information science in China, and preference is given to students of Chinese descent.
• LIS Scholarship Fund: Provides support for students enrolled in the MLIS program.
• Martha P and Joseph C. Lang, Jr. Fund: Provides one or more scholarships to students in the library and information science program.
• SCI/ULS Alliance Fellowship and Residency Program: This collaborative initiative between SCI and the University Library System (ULS) offers candidates an opportunity to pursue the MLIS degree while gaining valuable, hands-on experience in a large academic library system. This two-year program aims to increase the number of librarians in academic and research libraries who reflect diversity by providing the professional degree and the practical experiential learning critical for successful entrance into the library and information profession. The admissions process for this program is competitive. The program seeks applicants from many diverse backgrounds and lived experiences across all undergraduate and graduate academic backgrounds who have demonstrated academic success.
• Sarah C. Cohen Endowment for School Library Practicum Experience: In honor of his late wife, Sara Cohen (MLIS ’95), Ed Cohen established this endowment to provide awards to outstanding students in the School Library Certification Program (SLCP). Awards are granted to students who complete the School Library Practicum Experience (LIS 2922), minimum QPA of 3.5. Recommendations are received by a Cooperating Teacher Librarian or faculty member. Based on recommendations, the top five students will submit their professional portfolio to Director of SLCP Program, and who are selected by a SLCP committee. Awarded at graduation.
• E. Blanche Woolls Endowed Scholarship for Library Scholars: This fund supports a full or partial scholarship for students enrolled in the doctoral library and information science program.
• Margaret Mary Corbett Memorial Award: Offered to the student presenting the best LIS dissertation proposal. The fund was established by friends, graduates, colleagues, and relatives in memory of Margaret “Peg” Corbett.