Sidman P. Poole Endowment in Geography

The Department of Geography at Virginia Tech offers scholarships and research funding supported by an endowment by Mrs. Rachel Poole (1896-1999), made in honor of her husband, Sidman Poole (1893-1955), officer, U.S. Army (1917-1946), faculty in Geography at University of Virginia (1946-1955), author, and supporter of geographic education in Virginia.

Poole Scholarships for Entering Students in Geography

The Poole Incoming Freshmen Geography Major Scholarships are awarded to entering students for the first year of study at Virginia Tech. For the academic year, this scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) to help cover the cost of tuition. The second semester award of $1,000 is contingent upon continued status as a Geography major and satisfactory academic progress. These scholarships are based on academic qualifications and are awarded based on availability of funds.

How to Apply: The Poole Incoming Freshmen Geography Scholarships will be awarded each Spring, based upon applications on hand for the next academic year. Applicants to Virginia Tech who wish to be considered for this fellowship should declare their interest to the Department of Geography.

Poole Academic Merit Scholarships in Geography

The Poole Academic Merit Scholarship in Geography of $1,000 ($500 per semester) is granted to the most outstanding rising senior Geography major, based on academic achievement and solid citizenship. Students who receive the Poole Merit scholarship must have at least one semester left to finish the Geography degree. Applications are accepted in the spring of each year with funds dispursed the following academic year. The Academic Merit Scholarship is awarded based on availability of funds. Applications are found at this link (link still under development at present).