Purpose

The SAPA-BMS Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program (the Scholarship) was established by the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association (SAPA) in 1999.  Founded in 1993, SAPA is a nonprofit tax-exempt professional organization headquartered in the tri-state (NJ-NY-CT) area and has become a major pharmaceutical professional organization with more than 6,000 members and 5 Chapters in the US.

 

Sponsored by Bristal Meyers Squibb (BMS), the primary purpose of SAPA-BMS Scholarship is to recognize and support educational excellence achieved by outstanding high school students, and to encourage the finest high school graduates to pursue careers in life sciences.

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General Guidelines

The SAPA-BMS Scholarship is merit-based and open to national candidates. A selection committee composed of SAPA executive council members evaluates and selects the final recipients who have outstanding achievements and intend to pursue careers in life sciences. The selected recipients, known as SAPA Scholars, will be announced at the SAPA Annual Conference each year.

 

Each scholarship awards a one-time fund of $1,000 towards tuition payment. SAPA intends to award the Scholarship to at least two (2) qualified candidates each year. The Scholarship check will be mailed directly to the colleges/universities that the selected recipients attend. Applicants for the Scholarship must meet the eligibility criteria and include in their application materials a statement of interest in pursuing a career related to life sciences.

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Eligibility

To be considered for nomination as a SAPA Scholar, a student must:

1. Be a high school senior who is planning to attend a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited four-year college/university with a major related to life sciences.

2. Have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and a minimum SAT score of 1400 or ACT score of 30.

3. Be a United States citizen or permanent resident (if applicable, please submit a photocopy of the Alien Registration Card, i.e., green card).

 

Required application materials

1. SAPA-BMS Scholarship Application Form (must be filled online)

2. List of significant extra-curricular activities, awards received, and AP test scores (must be filled online).

3. An essay by the student describing why you want to pursue a career in life science related areas (approximately 600 words).

4. A high school transcript.

5. Two letters of recommendation from teachers who can discuss the nominee's potential for a career in life science related areas (including a teacher in the applicant's field of study and another who can attest to the nominee's potential).

 

Application instruction

1. Fill an online application form here.

2. Send application materials (Items 3 and 4) by email to sapa_scholarship@sapaweb.org.

3. Send the recommendation letters either by email or mail directly by the teachers to sapa_scholarship@sapaweb.org

 

Selection Process and Timeline

A selection committee appointed by SAPA President’s Office will evaluate all valid applications and recommend the most outstanding candidates for consideration by the SAPA Board of Directors. Applicants who demonstrated great potential for and commitment to a career in life sciences and with outstanding academic performance will be selected as finalists. The Board of Directors will name at least two SAPA Scholars from the finalists. To receive payments, a SAPA Scholar must submit an acceptance letter of the Scholarship and provide a direct deposit account at the attending college or university for SAPA to deposit scholarship payments. The SAPA-BMS Scholarship payment will only be made to the college or university.

 

ONLY SELECTED SAPA SCHOLARS WILL BE NOTIFIED. SAPA Scholars will be invited to attend the SAPA Annual Conference and receive their awards at the presentation ceremonies. 

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IMPORTANT DATES

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• August 31: Application deadline (email date or postmark).

• September: Selection Committee will review and select the finalists for recommendation to the SAPA Board of Directors. The selected SAPA Scholars will be notified.

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The SAPA Scholars will be officially announced at the SAPA  Annual Conference to be held in New Jersey on Sept. 27-28, 2024. For any questions, please contact us through email:  sapa_scholarship@sapaweb.org