The AIP-SPS Emergency Scholarship Fund

Support Student Need, Achievement, and Scholarship

For Sigma Pi Sigma there is no greater priority than the safety and well-being of students pursuing their academic goals in the fields of physics and astronomy.

Pi Day

The AIP-SPS Undergraduate Student Pandemic Assistance Fund

Support Students in Need

It’s not easy being a physics undergrad these days. Please help fund the Food for Hungry Physics and Astronomy Students and the AIP-SPS Undergraduate Student Pandemic Assistance Program.

While we cannot solve the systemic problems around food security and tuition increases, we can provide immediate assistance to those at risk of abandoning their academic goals. But we need your help to do more.

While we cannot solve the systemic issues that are causing financial distress for students during this extraordinary time, we can provide direct support to those who need it the most, owing to the effects on the pandemic. A recent SPS survey shows that about 1 in 5 students report that food security issues are actively impacting their education. More than 1 in 4 report the loss of summer funding, internships, or semester employment. Your donation will go to directly provide scholarships to those who are in need because of the pandemic and give seed money for student groups to start “Food for Hungry Physics and Astronomy Students” food cabinets. Together we can provide immediate support to those most at risk of not being able to complete their education.

We Support Students

Support AIP Student Programs

No matter what students of physics and astronomy aspire to achieve, the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma aim to support them in the pursuit of their academic endeavors as well as career goals.

Through SPS, we provide donor-funded merit and needs based scholarships and access to national meetings and symposia. This year, in particular, has been challenging: students have been displaced from college campuses, courses have been disrupted as they migrate from classroom to remote learning platforms, and the loss of summer internships and employment are among some of the scenarios students have faced.

Your generous gifts to the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma provide keys students may use to unlock scholarly opportunities and resources for their academic, personal and professional development. Your support will fuel vectors of exploration for new generations, keeping the physics and astronomy communities strong and growing. We’re only able to provide this support because of donors such as you. Please help us fund scholarship and access to community building activities today.

Thank you for your generosity!

The AIP-SPS Emergency Fund: Update 

Thank you to all donors who gave to emergency scholarship for students in 2020! The pandemic caused displacement, upheaval and loss of employment or internships for many students. 

Through AIP’s commitment and the generosity of donors like you, $100,000 in emergency aid was awarded to more than 70 students through Sigma Pi Sigma beginning late last spring and through December 2020. Your contributions furnished a lifeline to students facing significant challenges. Thank you again for helping students in need, as part of a community that shares an unwavering commitment to science, education and service!