Stephenson Bicentennial Scholarship Program

Grounded in Purpose. Elevated by Opportunity. Driven by Impact.

Empowered by Purpose:
The Stephenson Scholars Experience

Experiential learning is a pedagogical approach where students actively engage in real-world experiences and then reflect on those experiences to deepen their understanding and apply new knowledge and skills. It is essentially "learning by doing" and emphasizes hands-on engagement and reflection.

Our hope is that the Stephenson Scholars will not only receive a world-class education, but also the mentorship, opportunity, and support to become the next generation of ethical, thoughtful, and impactful data scientists.
–Scott and Beth Stephenson

Beth and Scott Stephenson have been longtime supporters of the School of Data Science. (Photo by Kristen Finn)

Scott and Beth Stephenson

Get to know the Stephensons — the visionary donors behind this transformative program. Their generosity is opening doors and shaping the future of data science at the University of Virginia.

UVA Data Science BSDS Students with Professor around laptop with binary code wall behind it

About The Program

Learn how the Stephenson Scholars Program supports high-achieving undergraduate students with financial need, offering more than a scholarship — it's a full ecosystem of opportunity, enrichment, and support.

UVA Data Science classroom with students

Meet the Scholars

Meet the remarkable data science majors selected as Stephenson Scholars. Discover their stories, aspirations, and how they’re using data science to make an impact on the world around them.

UVA Data Science career counselor chats with two students in a white room with white table

Stephenson Experiential Learning Fund (SELF)

Explore how the Experiential Learning Fund empowers B.S. in Data Science students with funding and support for internships, research, and applied learning — making hands-on experiences more accessible to all undergraduates.

Program Support Team

Behind every scholar is a dedicated team. Meet the staff who guide, mentor, and support Stephenson Scholars from admission through graduation.

UVA Data Science BSDS Students in classroom at desks looking at laptops

B.S. in Data Science

Learn more about the B.S. in Data Science program and how it offers a strong foundation to advance, preserve and disseminate knowledge in a data-centric world.

Spotlight

News

UVA Alum and His Wife Donate $10 Million to Data Science School

Scott and Beth Stephenson are longtime supporters of the University and the School.

The Stephenson Scholars Program is a visionary initiative aimed at fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and professional readiness for the next generation of data scientists within the B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) program. As the School of Data Science continues to expand its impact, this program is designed to provide a structured, high-impact experience that equips scholars with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.