SPS & Sigma Pi Sigma Connections

Sigma Pi Sigma Chapter Project Awards

Sigma Pi Sigma chapters are invited to submit grant proposals to the national office for funding of chapter inductions and events. Selected chapters may receive a cash award of up to $500 to help fund activities; and/or recognition for chapter activities, whether funded or not, that succeed in one or more of the listed purposes.

SPS Leadership Scholarships

Awarded annually to undergraduate students applying in at least their junior year of study (in the amounts of one $5,000 scholarship and a number of $2,000 scholarships). The award is based on academic performance and leadership in the SPS chapter and zone. Funded by the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund.

Herbert Levy Memorial Scholarship

SPS Future Teacher Scholarship

Based on scholarship and SPS participation, this award is presented annually to an SPS member who is participating in a teacher education program and who plans to pursue a career in physics education.

Peggy Dixon Two Year College Scholarship

Based on scholarship, potential and SPS participation, this award is intended for students who are transitioning from a two-year college into a physics bachelor's degree program.

SPS Internships

The SPS summer internship program offers 8-week positions with high-level organizations in science policy and scientific research. All internships include paid housing, a stipend, and a transportation supplement.

Student Fellowships in Physics & Society

Marsh W. White Award

Awarded to chapters for physics outreach to grades K-12 and the general public. $300 maximum, awarded to several chapters annually. Funded by the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund.

Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Award

Awarded to chapters for physics research projects. $2,000 maximum, awarded to several chapters annually. Funded by the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund.

Blake Lilly Prize

Given to two or more chapters and/or individuals for feedback from physics outreach programs. Open to all SPS members and chapters, for which the three-volume set The Feynman Lectures on Physics and a certificate are given. Established by the parents of the late Blake Lilly, and given in his memory.

SPS Travel Awards

A limited number of grants, on the order of $100 each, will be offered to help fund an SPS members' travel to a national meeting of an AIP Member Society holding an "SPS Session" co-organized by SPS and the Member Society. Examples of qualifying events include the recent SPS sessions at the January and August national meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). Funded by the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund.

Outstanding Student Award for Undergraduate Research

Formerly the International Conference of Physics Students (ICPS) Award. Given to one or more SPS members annually, awards $500 honorarium for winner and $500 for the SPS Chapter. Pays expenses for winner to attend and present a paper at the annual International Association of Physics Students (IAPS), which is usually held in Europe. Funded by the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund.

Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

Given annually to a chapter advisor who has been nominated by chapter student members. The award is a grant of $5,000 to be divided three ways: 60% to the Chapter Advisor, 20% to the Chapter, and the remaining 20% to the department. Funded by the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund.

Support for SPS Awards & Scholarships

The SPS derives most of its support from the American Institute of Physics (AIP). SPS dues are also an important contributor. These regular, budgeted sources of revenue make possible the SPS publications and programs that are available to SPS members.

The awards and scholarship programs of SPS are made possible, in part, through generous contributions of Sigma Pi Sigma members and friends. Scholarships and awards are supported by income derived from designated funds that have been provided as gifts. In this way, the physics alumni, and especially the Sigma Pi Sigma members, contribute to the generations of students who follow them