Peggy Dixon Two-Year Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Society of Physics Students
Purpose and background
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) offers the Peggy Dixon Two-Year Scholarship to promote excellence in physics study and encourage continued academic achievement. The award honors the memory of Dr. Peggy A. Dixon, who served as SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma Historian from 1992–2003. The scholarship provides a single $2,500 prize annually to a student moving from a two-year college into a physics bachelor’s program.
Quick overview
- One award of $2,500 may be granted each year.
- Intended for undergraduates who have attended a two-year college and are entering a physics BS program.
- Recipients are chosen based on academic record and involvement in SPS activities.
Who is eligible
- Must be an undergraduate member of the national SPS organization.
- Must have completed at least one semester or quarter of the introductory physics sequence.
- Must be in the process of transitioning from a two-year college into a physics bachelor’s degree program.
How to apply
- Complete the online application by March 15. If March 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline shifts to the following Monday.
- The online system will walk applicants through each required component and provide instructions for requesting recommendation letters. All parts of the application must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.
Required application materials
- General information form (completed online).
- Official, current transcript: This must be sent directly from the applicant’s college or university to the SPS Scholarship Program and must be postmarked by the application deadline. Mail transcripts to:
SPS Scholarship Program
1 Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
- A list of physics and related courses already taken and those planned.
- A written statement outlining the applicant’s career goals.
- A written summary describing the applicant’s involvement in SPS activities.
- Department Chair certification that the applicant is in good standing and making satisfactory progress toward the degree.
- Two faculty letters of recommendation. One letter must come from a current physics faculty member at the two-year college the applicant attended. Recommenders should address the applicant with respect to:
- strong academic performance in physics and overall coursework,
- demonstrated potential and commitment to continued study in physics, and
- active participation in SPS programs.
Selection process
The SPS Scholarship Committee evaluates candidates using all three criteria with equal importance:
1. High academic achievement in physics and overall studies.
2. Evidence of potential and intent for continued scholarly development in physics.
3. Active engagement in SPS activities.
Award details and disbursement
- Recipients must submit a completed W-9 tax form (or an equivalent document for international students) before funds are released.
- The $2,500 award is paid in two equal installments: the first installment after satisfactory completion of the two-year college introductory physics sequence, and the second installment after the SPS advisor at the bachelor’s institution verifies completion of at least one semester or quarter of appropriate physics coursework.