The Stephenson Scholars Program is a signature initiative of the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science, established through the generosity of Beth and Scott Stephenson and matched by the University’s Bicentennial Scholars Fund. This visionary program was created to support exceptional undergraduate students with financial need who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science.
Rooted in equity, opportunity, and academic excellence, the program provides scholarships that meet 100% of each recipient’s demonstrated financial need, eliminating student loan and work-study requirements. Stephenson Scholars graduate debt-free and are equipped to take full advantage of UVA’s academic and co-curricular opportunities.
Stephenson Scholars receive holistic, wraparound support designed to nurture personal, academic, and professional growth.
Scholars benefit from:
- Individualized mentorship from faculty and staff
- Internship and research funding for unpaid, mission-driven experiences
- Exclusive programming focused on community-building, career exploration, and leadership development
- Access to a vibrant cohort of fellow scholars united by purpose and passion
The Stephenson Bicentennial Scholarship
At the heart of the Stephenson Scholars Program is the Stephenson Data Science Bicentennial Scholarship. Awarded annually to select undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS) program, this scholarship meets 100% of each recipient’s demonstrated financial need—covering tuition, room and board, and other required expenses without the burden of loans or work-study requirements.
Scholarships are awarded in coordination with UVA’s Office of Student Financial Services and distributed across up to six semesters during the student’s time in the B.S. in Data Science program.
The Stephenson Experiential Learning Fund
The Stephenson Experiential Learning Fund (SELF) is designed to ensure that all undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Data Science, regardless of financial background, can access meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Whether your student is passionate about public health, sustainability, tech innovation, or social justice, the Experiential Scholars Program helps them apply data science to real-world challenges while gaining valuable experience and connections.
Selected students receive:
- Funding to support unpaid internships or applied learning experiences
- Professional development workshops to build confidence and career readiness
- Faculty and staff mentorship throughout their experience
- Opportunities to present their work and reflect on their learning journey
The Stephenson Experiential Learning Fund (SELF) provides financial support to help School of Data Science undergraduate student community pursue high-impact, career-building opportunities that reflect the program’s values of experiential learning, leadership, and meaningful impact.
