The Generation Google Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for aspiring computer scientists and students from underrepresented backgrounds.
With this scholarship, Google aims to encourage diversity and help increase representation in technology fields.
In this article, we’ll explain all the key details about the Generation Google scholarship program.
Learn about eligibility requirements, application timelines, selection criteria, benefits, and more.
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Generation Google Scholarship- Brief History
First launched in 2014, the Generation Google Scholarship provides academic funding to outstanding high school seniors who want to pursue computer science degrees.
Each year, Google awards the scholarship to numerous promising students.
The scholarship program specifically targets students from historically underrepresented groups in computer science. T
his includes women, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and other minorities.
In addition to the financial award, Generation Google Scholars are connected with unique mentoring and networking opportunities at Google.
The goal is to support these students all the way through to graduating and starting their careers.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply
Google wants the Generation Scholarship to enable new generations of tech leaders from diverse backgrounds.
As such, applicants must meet several eligibility standards to qualify:
1. Enrollment Status
Applicants must be current high school seniors intending to be enrolled full-time in a four-year undergraduate program the following academic year.
2. Field of Study
Students must be pursuing a computer science or computer engineering degree or a degree in a closely related technical field like software engineering.
3. Academic Performance
A minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants must maintain this GPA throughout college to retain the scholarship.
4. Underrepresented Group
Eligible applicants must identify as a member of a group historically underrepresented in computer science fields, including women, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, or other minorities.
5. U.S. Residency
Applicants must be residents of the United States, whether citizens, permanent residents, refugees, or asylum seekers. International students studying in the U.S. are not eligible.
Meeting all these criteria is necessary to apply and be considered for Google’s Generation Scholarship.
The program aims to reach students who specifically align with these diversity goals.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Google accepts Generation Scholarship applications once per year, with a firm schedule of important dates:
- September – The application period opens. Students can begin applying online.
- December – Application deadline. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on the first Monday in December.
- May – Selection results announced. Google informs scholarship recipients by the end of May.
- August – Funds disbursed for the fall semester. Google sends the award check directly to each student’s university.
Students must pay close attention to the application timeline. Missing the December deadline means waiting until the next academic year to reapply.
Prompt submission gives you the best shot at securing this competitive scholarship.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
The application process for the Generation Google Scholarship is fully online. Google provides clear instructions for completing the required steps:
1. Begin Online Application
Go to the Generation Google Scholarship website during the application period, and click to start a new application. You’ll need to create an account.
2. Enter Personal Details
Provide basic personal info like name, contact information, demographic details, university name, and planned major.
3. Answer Essay Questions
Applicants must respond to several short essay questions about their background, academic interests, and career ambitions in computer science.
4. Submit Transcripts
Upload official high school transcripts documenting your academic achievements so far.
5. Request Recommendations
You’ll need two recommendations validating your abilities and potential.
Send requests to teachers, counselors, mentors, or supervisors to have recommendations submitted on your behalf.
6. Review and Submit
Carefully review your full application before officially submitting it for consideration.
Following these steps ensures you provide all required information by the scholarship deadline. Submit as early as possible!
Scholarship Funding Amounts
Google provides significant financial support through the Generation Scholarship program.
Here are the details on the award amounts:
- $10,000 one-time scholarship – Each recipient gets $10,000 to use for educational expenses. Google sends this directly to your university.
- Up to $90,000 over 4 years – Generation Scholars can reapply annually for an additional $10,000 renewal, for a total possible funding of $40,000 over 4 years of college.
- Needs-based aid – Scholars from lower-income families can qualify for higher awards, up to an additional $50,000 over 4 years, for a total possible funding of $90,000.
This funding makes a huge impact on reducing recipients’ tuition burdens so they can focus on building skills and networks.
How Recipients Are Selected
Google receives many impressive applications each year from promising students across the country.
So how does the selection process work?
- Academic excellence – Strong grades and test scores in high school signal readiness for the rigor of a computer science program.
- Leadership & community impact – Experience demonstrating leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and community contributions is preferred.
- Technical abilities – Applicants who have competed in science fairs, taken AP computer science courses, or pursued independent coding projects stand out.
- Diversity factors – Coming from an underrepresented ethnic, gender, or socioeconomic background is a priority.
- Essays and recommendations – These convey the student’s interests, ambitions, grit, and growth mindset necessary for success.
Google aims to provide scholarships to well-rounded students truly passionate about computer science and creating tech innovations.
The selection panel looks at the full picture of each applicant.
Standing out requires demonstrating your drive, abilities, and potential beyond just grades and test scores. Highlight all the experiences that set you apart.
Benefits Beyond Dollars
While the scholarship funding makes college affordable, the benefits of being selected extend far beyond the monetary award.
Here are some of the other invaluable opportunities:
1. Mentorship
Generation Scholars get matched with a mentor from Google. This mentor provides ongoing guidance, coaching, networking, and support during school and in starting a career.
2. Internship and Employment Opportunities
Recipients have an advantage in securing paid internships and full-time jobs at Google. The inside track helps kickstart their career.
3. Conference Invitations
Google may invite scholars to attend tech conferences for programming competitions, hackathons, and spotlight opportunities that boost their skills and visibility.
4. Alumni Network
Scholars join an alumni network of peers that provide camaraderie, enhanced career prospects, and a community of leaders driving change.
These enrichment experiences give recipients a significant edge in realizing their potential and succeeding in the tech industry long-term.
Conclusion
The Generation Google Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for students from underrepresented groups pursuing computer science degrees.
Between the $40,000+ in college funding and the chance to get your foot in the door at Google, it provides a major boost to recipients’ careers.
Bring your best self to the application to prove you have the diverse background, academic performance, leadership skills, and passion for computer science to excel as a Generation Scholar.
And remember to apply by the firm deadline – you can’t win if you don’t apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions students have about this opportunity:
Do Generation Google Scholars Get Jobs at Google?
Many scholars do pursue internships and jobs at Google. They get special consideration and interview opportunities.
However, employment at Google is not guaranteed. Scholars still must apply and interview competitively after college.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for the Generation Google Scholarship?
With thousands of applicants every year and limited scholarship spots, the acceptance rate is low.
Google does not release exact numbers, but it’s estimated only around 2-3% of applicants are selected.
Can Grad Students Apply for Generation Google?
No, the scholarship is only for current high school seniors planning to start a bachelor’s degree program the next academic year. Graduate students cannot apply.
What Majors Are Eligible Besides Computer Science?
Related technical majors like software engineering, applied computing, and information systems are accepted.
But pure math, physics, or unrelated degrees are not eligible on their own – you must have a computer science component.
Can International Students Qualify for the Generation Google Scholarship?
Unfortunately, international students on temporary visas like F-1 are not eligible, even if they attend school in the U.S.
You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker.
