🎓 How to Win Scholarships for Nuclear Engineering Students: Lessons from Sarah Cole

Dear College Students, 

You have big problems to solve. Climates to fix. Student organizations to lead. Lectures to attend. Problem sets to finish. And if that's not enough, you have to figure out a way to PAY for it all.

Bank rolling your education can feel like a burden—but it doesn’t have to be. Just ask Sarah Cole, a nuclear fuels researcher and Taco Bell Live Más Scholar who recently committed to MIT for her PhD. In our conversation on Naked Nuclear, Sarah shared how she funded her entire education by strategically applying for scholarships—proving that with a little strategic planning, anyone can find the money they need to pursue big dreams.

Here are 5 key lessons from Sarah’s journey—and how you can apply them to yours.

1. Start Local, Start Early

Sarah began her building her resume close to home in Boise, Idaho by talking to a neighbor. Local organizations, civic clubs, community foundations, and even your parents’ employers may offer small internship and research opportunities that add experience to your CV. With a bit of real-world experience under her belt, Sarah applied for as many as she could while in high school, which gave her a head start and built her confidence for national applications later on.

💬 "If I could talk to my high school self, I’d say just apply to everything—even if you think you won’t get it."

Take Action: What local organizations or community groups could you reach out to this month? Make a list and set a goal to apply for at least one new opportunity this week.

2. Reuse & Refine Your Essays

Scholarship essays don’t have to be written from scratch every time. Sarah created a core set of personal stories and statements that she could tweak to fit each application. That made the process faster and allowed her to focus on telling her story in a compelling way. The more you write, the stronger your voice gets—so repurpose your work and polish it as you go.

✍️ “I reused the core of one essay for eight different applications. I just tweaked the intro and closing paragraph to fit what they were asking for.”

Take Action: Do you have a personal statement ready? If not, write a one-page version of your academic journey, goals, and why you care about your field. That becomes your master template.

3. Ask for Letters—Before You Need Them

Strong letters of recommendation come from relationships built over time. Sarah made sure to nurture connections with professors and mentors well before she needed their help. When she asked for letters, she made it easy for them by providing clear deadlines, her resume, a brief statement of why she is applying, and a summary of the scholarship. That level of preparation made her applications stand out.

📬 “Give them time. Don’t just email two days before something is due. Make it easy for them—send your resume, deadlines, and a few bullet points about the program.”

Take Action: Who are two mentors or teachers you admire? Reach out now—thank them for their impact on you and let them know you may ask for a letter in the future. Relationship-building starts today.

4. Tell Your Story, Not Just Your GPA

Many scholarships aren’t about grades—they’re about grit. Sarah was honest in her essays about the challenges she faced, her growth, and what drew her to nuclear fuels. She stood out by showing passion, not perfection. Reviewers want to invest in real humans who care deeply and are likely to make a difference.

💬 “You don’t have to be a 4.0 student. You have to show them who you are and where you're going.”

Take Action: What’s one life experience that shaped your career goals? Write it down as a short story, then connect it to your major or dream job.

5. Make It a System, Not a Gamble

Sarah treated applying for scholarships like a job. She built a spreadsheet to track deadlines, blocked time each week to apply, and set a goal of submitting at least one application per week. That consistency helped her win enough awards to cover school—and it’s a mindset any student can adopt.

🗓️ “If I spend 3 hours on an application that might give me $2,000—that’s more than minimum wage. That’s worth it.”

Take Action: Could you dedicate two hours every Saturday to scholarship applications? Block the time in your calendar and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

💥 Bonus Tip: Look for Non-Traditional Scholarships

One of Sarah’s biggest wins—the Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship—had no GPA requirement. Instead, it asked students to submit a video about their passions. Sarah made a reel explaining why she loved nuclear fuels and what she hoped to do with her career. She didn’t just check a box—she told a story.

🎥 “I submitted a video about nuclear fuels research and why I loved it. It was different—but it worked!”

Take Action: What creative scholarships can you find this week? Look for ones that accept videos, artwork, or unique essays—and don’t be afraid to be yourself.

🎧 Want the Full Story?

This post just scratches the surface. In our podcast episode, Sarah also shared how she found undergrad research opportunities, built a network from scratch, and made the jump from a state school to MIT.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here

Looking for Scholarships for the Nuclear Industry? 

1. American Nuclear Society (ANS) Scholarships

• Offers over $250,000 annually to undergraduate and graduate students in nuclear science and engineering.

• Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, including need-based options.

• Open to ANS student members enrolled in accredited programs.

• Application deadlines: February 1 (general), April 1 (incoming freshmen and community college/trade school students).

• 🔗 ANS Scholarships

2. University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Scholarships

• Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy.

• Provides $10,000 scholarships to undergraduates pursuing nuclear energy-related degrees.

• Also offers $5,000 scholarships for trade school and community college students.

• Application deadline: January 16, 2025.

• 🔗 UNLP Scholarships

3. ASME Nuclear Engineering Division (NED) Scholarship

• Offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

• Awards $5,000 to students enrolled in nuclear engineering programs.

• Applicants must be ASME student members.

• 🔗ASME Scholarship List

4. IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme

• Aims to increase the number of women in the nuclear field.

• Provides scholarships for Master’s programs and internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.

• Awards scholarships annually to over 100 female students.

• 🔗IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship 

5. Department of Defense SMART Scholarship

• Supports students in STEM fields, including nuclear engineering.

• Covers full tuition, provides a stipend, and includes summer internships.

• Requires a service commitment with the Department of Defense upon graduation.

• 🔗SMART Scholarship