Verner E. Suomi Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies
The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is accepting applications for the 2026 Verner E. Suomi Scholarship.
About the award
The Verner E. Suomi Scholarship celebrates Professor Suomi’s enduring dedication to undergraduate teaching and mentorship at UW–Madison. Suomi, the founding director of the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), founder of CIMSS, and a co‑founder and faculty member of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, is widely regarded as the “father of satellite meteorology” and one of the most influential meteorologists of the 20th century. Exceptional graduating high school seniors will be chosen to receive a $3,000 award and a certificate of recognition. The scholarship funds are intended for use during the recipient’s freshman year.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll in a University of Wisconsin System undergraduate program in atmospheric science, meteorology, remote sensing, environmental science, applied physics, data science, or a closely related discipline.
- Award will be applied to the recipient’s first year of undergraduate study.
Application materials (submit as a single PDF)
1. High school transcript through the end of the Fall 2025 semester.
2. Completed application form (fillable PDF) with any required supporting documents.
3. A one‑page personal essay explaining your interest in atmospheric science, meteorology, remote sensing, environmental science, applied physics, data science, or a related field. Include your career objectives and describe relevant involvement in science-related organizations or projects, honors or awards, and service or extracurricular activities.
4. One letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher, or from your high school principal or guidance counselor.
Deadline and submission
All materials must be combined into a single PDF and emailed by April 17, 2026 to: maria.vasys@ssec.wisc.edu
Questions about the scholarship or application process can be directed to the same email address.