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Programs for Talented Youth

PTY Summer 2025 Scholarships

In addition to financial aid, Programs for Talented Youth offers a limited number of scholarships. Scholarships may require a separate application in addition to a required program application and financial aid application. The scholarship application typically includes an essay.

Scholarships vary each year and are based on criteria defined by the supporting organization, company, foundation, or individual supporting the scholarship. Scholarships range in monetary aid and eligibility requirements, with select scholarships offering full tuition.

Admission to VSA and receipt of any VSA scholarship is not an indicator of future admission to Vanderbilt University or a prediction of future scholarship or financial aid award amount.

Please note, in addition to the scholarships listed below, PTY also offers need-based financial aid. For more information about financial aid, visit the appropriate program page.

STARS (Small-Town and Rural Students) College Network (Full Tuition Plus Travel Stipend) – No longer available for Summer 2024

As a part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to rural and small-town students, VSA has partnered with Vanderbilt Admissions for a unique scholarship opportunity.

As a founding member of the STARS (Small-Town and Rural Students) College Network, VU’s Office of Undergraduate Admission is excited to provide full-tuition select scholarships (plus travel stipend) to rising junior or senior students who live or attend school in a rural and small-town area in the United States, and present some level of financial need. The scholarship covers full tuition and travel costs for a student to attend any 1- week or 2-week VSA session offered in summer.

  • Criteria: For students from low-income households who live in a small town or rural area
  • Grade of Scholarship: Rising 11th – Rising 12th
  • Number of Scholarships Awarded: Up to 10
  • Session of Scholarship: Any session/course for 11th/12th grade students
  • Amount: Full Tuition + Travel Stipend
  • Application Deadline: Applications accepted until recipients are named.
  • Selection Process: Selection is competitive based on VSA eligibility documentation, demonstrated need through the VSA financial aid application, and a home address in an area designated as rural or in a small-town
  • Application link: No additional application is needed for this scholarship. All rising juniors and seniors applying to VSA and submitting a financial aid application will be considered if they meet the rural or small-town requirement.
VSA Medical School 101 Course Scholarship (Full Tuition)
  • Criteria: For students from low-income households who have interest in the medical field and have overcome adversity
  • Source: Funding for scholarships generously provided by the Robert E Taylor Diversity Initiatives and Programs for Talented Youth
  • Grade of Scholarship: Rising 11th – Rising 12th
  • Number of Scholarships Awarded: Up to 4
  • Session of Scholarship: July 6 – 18, 2025
  • Amount: Full Tuition (Includes full tuition to the program. Does not include travel to VSA)
  • Application Deadline: Applications accepted until recipients are named. Applications are currently being accepted for this scholarship.
  • Selection Process: Selection is competitive based on VSA eligibility documentation and scholarship essay.
  • Course Description: View the Med School 101 Course Description. Please note that this course requires prerequisites. Students must be at least 16 years old by July 6 to participate in this lab-based class. This requirement cannot be waived.
  • Application link: https://redcap.vumc.org/surveys/?s=DAMJPEENCEFXWN4K 
VSA Nanoscale Science and Engineering Course Scholarship (Full Tuition)
  • Criteria: For Tennessee students from low-income households. Preference will be given to eligible students from low-income backgrounds who live in a rural area and/or would be considered first-generation college students in their families.
  • Grade of Scholarship: Rising 9th – Rising 10th
  • Number of Scholarships Awarded: Up to 2
  • Session of Scholarship: July 6 – July 12, 2025
  • Amount: Full Tuition (Includes full tuition to the program. Does not include travel to VSA)
  • Application Deadline: Applications accepted until recipients are named. Applications are currently being accepted for this scholarship.
  • Selection Process: Applications accepted until recipients are named. We strongly recommend applying for the scholarship as soon as possible.
  • Course Description: View the Nanoscience and Engineering Course Description. Students must be at least 12 years old by July 1 to participate in this lab-based class.
  • Application link: https://redcap.vumc.org/surveys/?s=MRPA879FJWWT9PYX