Kelly Foundation Tropical Botany Scholarship

Eligibility:
This program is open to all fully enrolled FIU students majoring in Biology or Environmental Sciences (must be either U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or international students on an F1 visa).

Background:
The late Mr. Loyd Kelly (1918–2013), Owner and President of Kelly Tractor Co. and the Kelly Foundation, established this endowed scholarship at Florida International University (FIU) in 2002 to encourage the study of tropical plants.
Scholarships support a broad range of studies, research, or projects related to tropical or subtropical botany, primarily for undergraduate students, with occasional awards to graduate students as funds allow. Awards may be used for tuition, research projects, or travel, including attendance at professional meetings to present research.

The scholarship is managed by the FIU Department of Biological Sciences in collaboration with the International Center for Tropical Botany.
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Application Process
Apply via fiu.academicworks.com. Applications must be submitted through the Academic Works portal by the deadline; late or emailed applications will not be accepted.
To Apply:
1. Visit go.fiu.edu/scholarship.
2. Click “Sign In” (top right) using your my.fiu.edu credentials.
3. Complete the General Application.
4. Search for Kelly Foundation Tropical Botany Scholarship and click Apply.
5. Upload all required documents and answer supplemental questions.
6. Ensure you click “submit” once you have completed the application.

Your application will change from DRAFTED to SUBMITTED once you have successfully completed and submitted the application.

Minimum GPA: Undergraduates: 3.0 or higher , Graduates: 3.2 or higher
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Post-Award Requirements
Award recipients must submit the following after notification:
1. A one-page thank-you letter to the Kelly Foundation.
2. A photo (preferably performing lab or field work).
3. A one-page statement (max 500 words) explaining how the award supports your future in tropical botany.
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Awarding and Enrollment
Scholarship will be awarded in Spring or Summer 2026. Students must be enrolled during the term of the award.
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Contacts:
Program questions: Prof. Alejandro Barbieri (Chair of the Kelly Award Committee, Department of Biological Sciences) — barbieri@fiu.edu
Application support: scholarships@fiu.edu