The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship, established in 1989, is a prestigious award sponsored by the ASA Committee on Women in Statistics and Caucus for Women in Statistics. The primary aim of the scholarship is to encourage more women to pursue careers in statistically oriented professions. This article delves into the history and significance of the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship, the selection criteria, the application process, and the impact it has had on advancing women in the field of statistics.
The History of Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship
Gertrude M. Cox was a prominent American statistician who made significant contributions to the field. In honor of her exceptional work and dedication, the scholarship was named after her. The scholarship was introduced in 1989 to address the gender gap in statistics-related professions and to recognize the importance of diversity in these fields.
The Importance of Supporting Women in Statistics
Statistics has been historically dominated by men, leading to a lack of diversity in the profession. The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship plays a crucial role in supporting and encouraging women to enter this field. By providing financial assistance and recognition, the scholarship empowers women to pursue advanced education and contribute their talents to statistics and related disciplines.
Scholarship Recipients and Honorable Mentions
Every year, two outstanding women are chosen as scholarship recipients: one in the early stages of graduate training (MS or PhD) and the other at a more advanced stage. The recipients receive a certificate of recognition along with a monetary award of $1,000. Additionally, the committee selects honorable mentions who also receive certificates.
Selection Criteria for Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship
To be eligible for the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship, applicants must be women who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada. They should be admitted to full-time study in a graduate statistics program by July 1 of the award year. Women in or entering the early stages of graduate training (MS or PhD) are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
The application process for the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship requires several documents and materials:
- Candidate’s CV
- Personal essay (minimum length one page, double-spaced)
- Three reference letters (not to exceed two pages each and saved as a .pdf file) to be uploaded by the writer using a provided link. Reference writers must include the candidate’s last name in the file name.
- All academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
- Candidate’s headshot
Applicants need to ensure they submit all required materials by the deadline on February 23.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who sponsors the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship?
The scholarship is sponsored by the ASA Committee on Women in Statistics and Caucus for Women in Statistics.
How many scholarship recipients are chosen each year?
Two scholarship recipients are selected each year—one in the early stages of graduate training (MS or PhD) and one at a more advanced stage.
Can international students apply for the scholarship?
No, the scholarship is limited to women who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada.
Are there any specific requirements for the application?
Applicants must be admitted to full-time study in a graduate statistics program by July 1 of the award year. Women in or entering the early stages of graduate training are especially encouraged to apply.
What should be included in the personal essay?
The personal essay should be a minimum of one page, double-spaced, and should reflect the applicant’s interest in statistics and her career aspirations.
How many reference letters are required?
Applicants need to submit three reference letters. Each letter should not exceed two pages and must be saved as a .pdf file.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applications must be submitted by February 23.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
The committee evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, potential, and commitment to statistics.
What does the scholarship award include?
The scholarship recipients receive a certificate of recognition and a monetary award of $1,000.
How can I contact the committee chair?
For any inquiries or questions, please contact the committee chair using the provided contact information on the official website.
Advancing Women in Statistics: The Impact of the Scholarship
The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship has had a profound impact on advancing women in statistics. By supporting women in their pursuit of higher education, the scholarship has increased representation and diversity in the field. Many scholarship recipients have gone on to become influential statisticians, contributing significantly to research and applied statistics.
The recognition and financial support provided by the scholarship have motivated more women to consider careers in statistics, ultimately breaking down barriers and challenging the traditional gender norms in the field.
Conclusion
The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship stands as a testament to the dedication of promoting diversity and gender equity in statistics. Over the years, it has encouraged and empowered countless women to pursue their passion for statistics and has helped to create a more inclusive and vibrant community within the field.
The impact of the scholarship extends beyond individual recipients, as it fosters a supportive environment that values the contributions of women in statistics. As we look to the future, it is essential to continue investing in initiatives like the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship to build a stronger, more diverse, and innovative statistical community.