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HCDE Undergraduate Scholarships

The Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering offers the following scholarships for current undergraduate students thanks to the generosity of HCDE alumni and friends of the department:

  • David Farkas Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Student Support
  • Donna M. Sakson Endowed Scholarship
  • Donna M. Sakson Endowed Scholarship for Excellence through Diversity
  • Equity in Design Scholarship in Human Centered Design & Engineering
  • HCDE Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Michael and Sirina Berg Endowed Fund for Leadership in Human Centered Design & Engineering
  • William S. Croft Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Support

Most scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, or involvement in the department/field. All HCDE majors are encouraged to apply. Most HCDE scholarships do not have a citizenship requirement; undocumented students and international students are encouraged to apply.

To apply for the above scholarships, submit a completed online application through the College of Engineering by the annual deadline. Some departmental scholarships may be renewable; to be eligible to receive a renewable scholarship for a second time, students must reapply.

Scholarship funding may impact financial aid; for questions about this, please contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid.

Graduate Fellowships

HCDE offers fellowship opportunities annually to graduate students in the Department.

Social Action Impact Award in Human Centered Design & Engineering 

The Social Action Impact Award supports students with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A call for applications is distributed annually to HCDE graduate students (master’s and PhD).

Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) Matching Funds

UW GSEE offers Graduate Tuition and Supplemental Awards to students nominated by their departments at the time of their offer of admission. Award amounts vary depending on the nomination, student financial need, and funds available. HCDE is committed to fostering a supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented minoritized (URM) communities. The Department will select up to two incoming master's students to nominate for the GSEE Supplemental Award. If those students receive the GSEE award, they will also automatically receive departmental matching funds to a maximum of $12,500 per Fellowship. Decisions are made based on financial need, merit, and a supplemental statement from the student. Request to submit nominations are included in the application to the Master of Science in Human Centered Design & Engineering program. 

GEM Fellowship Program

HCDE PhD and MS applicants accepted to the GEM Fellowship Program are considered for the PhD Engineering and Science Fellowship and MS Engineering and Science Fellowship. GEM Fellows receive full support to cover the enrollment costs of tuition and fees in addition to an application fee waiver to the HCDE graduate programs. Additional details and program eligibility are outlined in the admissions offer letter. 

Support for both HCDE undergraduate and graduate students

UW Short Term Loan Program

To apply, go to MyUW and select “Short-Term Loan Application” from the list of Personal Services to complete the application and electronically sign the promissory note

UW Food Pantry and Food Security Grants

Includes resources for students experiencing food insecurity, including the UW Food Pantry and applying for WA Basic Food (SNAP) program. To receive a $100 Food Security grant, schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

UW Emergency Aid Program

UW Emergency Aid assists students who are experiencing unexpected financial hardships that may disrupt their education or prevent them from earning their UW degree. To request emergency aid via your FAFSA form, fill out an emergency aid request.

Kientz & Patel HCDE Student Emergency Support Fund

The Kientz & Patel HCDE Student Emergency Support Fund aids HCDE students facing near-term financial hardship. The fund provides aid for situations including, but not limited to, unexpected health care costs, car repairs, legal fees, travel for family emergencies, stolen goods, and housing insecurity. Students requiring tuition assistance or with outstanding financial statements should instead consult the UW Office of Student Financial Aid.