Program Overview

Overview of the Kummer Vanguard Scholars Program

The Kummer Vanguard Scholars Program is a competitive program established through a generous gift of $300 million from June and Fred Kummer, longtime supporters of Missouri S&T. The program provides scholarships to up to 250 undergraduate STEM scholars each year.

Program Details

• The program is designed to support success as a student at Missouri S&T and to expand thinking around the five core areas: Entrepreneurship, Research, Design and Build, Social Responsibility, and Leadership.
• Each Kummer Vanguard Scholar will receive $2,000 a year for up to four years, and the scholarships may be combined with other university scholarships to provide a broader array of financial support for students.

Exclusive Opportunities

• Kummer Vanguard Scholars will engage in a breadth of special opportunities and programs, including:
  • The Kummer Vanguard Scholars kickoff event as part of Opening Week.
  • Serving on the Kummer Vanguard Scholars Student Steering Committee.
  • Mentorship and connections with upperclassmen Kummer Vanguard Scholars, senior-level faculty members, Kummer Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Doctoral Fellows, alumni, and leaders of innovation.
  • Integration with student success and support programs to improve the holistic student experience.
  • Participation in a rotational program with focus areas in entrepreneurship, undergraduate research, leadership, community service, and more.
  • Participation in the annual Kummer Day a conference showcasing student experiences and innovation.
  • Opportunities, beginning with your sophomore year, to serve as mentors to newly admitted Kummer Vanguard Scholars.

Profile of a Scholar

• The criteria for selecting Kummer Vanguard Scholars will cover broad categories based on the vision that June and Fred Kummer have set for the program, including increasing access and successful completion of a college education.
• The ideal Kummer Vanguard Scholar is someone who:
  • Consistently goes above and beyond the necessary requirements.
  • Seeks new ideas, collaborates, and is always striving for continuous improvement.
  • Has ambitious desires to change the future, make an impact, and add value in a local, regional, or global way.

Program Eligibility

• First-year students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 on an unweighted 4.0 scale and meet one of the following:
  • A 26+ ACT/1240+ SAT score, or
  • Qualifying test-optional application for admission, or
  • Confirmed as A+ eligible from a designated A+ Missouri high school.
• New transfer students must be transferring in a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
• Pursuing a STEM major at S&T, including biological/life sciences, business and management systems, chemistry, computer science, economics, education, engineering, information sciences, mathematics, physics, psychological science, education in science or math.

How to Apply

• Students that meet the eligibility requirements may apply.
• The criteria for selecting Kummer Vanguard Scholars will cover broad categories based on the vision that June and Fred Kummer have set for the program.
• While not required, students are highly encouraged to complete a FAFSA.
• The idea is to select students who are qualified and deserving to become Kummer Vanguard Scholars.

Application Deadline

• Due to the competitive nature of the program, applications will be reviewed with two deadlines:
  • Deadline 1 January 15
  • Deadline 2 March 15

Process Details

• After each deadline, the eligible pool of candidates will be reviewed.
• Students not selected after the first deadline will be able to opt-in to the second review by updating their Kummer Vanguard Scholars application.
• Students should expect to receive a decision within 14 business days of each deadline.

Admitted Kummer Vanguard Scholar Requirements

• Once you have been admitted as a Kummer Vanguard Scholar, you will receive a welcome packet with additional program information, key dates, and eligibility requirements.
• Additional information regarding requirements for current scholars is available on the program page.