Frequently Asked Questions
About the Award
Q. What awards are issued?
A. Each year, we award:
- 1 Gold Medalist – Receives a gold-plated silver medal and $25,000 per year for up to 3 years of graduate school (max $75,000).
- 2 Silver Medalists – Each receives $25,000 toward a qualified graduate program.
- Up to 10 Emmy Noether Scholars – Each receives a $2,000 scholarship upon college enrollment.
All medalists and scholars also receive continued opportunities such as lab tours, internship interviews, and networking.
Q. What can the Emmy Noether Award funds be used for?
A. Gold and silver medalists and scholars may use funds for any graduate school needs (e.g., tuition, travel/conferences, research/lab costs, housing).
Q. What STEM fields are eligible?
A. Any science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degree leading to a scientific research career. Past awardees have pursued fields such as microbiology, robotics engineering, biotechnology, and medical science.
Q. Are these awards based on need or merit?
A. All awards are merit-based. We seek highly accomplished, motivated student scientists.
Eligibility
Q. Who can apply?
A. Female high school seniors from Louisiana or Mississippi.
Q. Is it only for public school students?
A. No. Students from any school in Louisiana or Mississippi may apply.
Q. Can I pursue a medical degree and still qualify?
A. Only if your primary career goal involves research, such as an MD/PhD or lab-based work.
Q. I am a sophomore/junior. Can I apply now?
A. No. Only seniors are eligible.
Application
Q. Who should write my letter of recommendation?
A. A STEM mentor, such as a science or math teacher, lab mentor, science fair mentor/judge, or internship mentor.
Q. What makes a competitive applicant?
A. Strong applicants often have one or more of the following (not required):
- Research internship (completed or planned)
- Awards or honors in a STEM field
- Science fair participation
- Leadership in a STEM extracurricular
- High GPA/ACT (especially in STEM areas)
Competitive applicants will also be able to identify specific programs and careers they are interested in. We want to help students who know what they want to do at an early age and help them achieve their goals.
Q. How should I prepare for the interview?
A. All interviews are held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Requirements of Awardees
Q. Do I have to attend college or grad school in LA or MS?
A. No. You may attend any university worldwide.
Q. What is required of me if I am selected as a Gold or Silver Medalist?
A. Gold Medalist: Give a brief speech at the Awards Ceremony and participate in select Brown Foundation events.
Silver Medalists: Provide a biography and participate in social media interviews.
Q. What is required of Emmy Noether Scholars?
A. Scholars must attend the Awards Ceremony.
Q. If I win the gold medal, can I change my college or career plans?
A. Yes. As long as you continue pursuing a STEM research-based career, you remain eligible.
Miscellaneous
Q. Where can I read more about the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation?
A. Visit www.thebrownfoundation.org