MAJ Robert Carter, III, Ph.D., M.P.H.Science and Technology Advisor

U.S. Africa Commanddrrobertcarter@gmail.com or robert.carter@africom.mil

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Purpose

The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program, established in 1999, is a 1.6 billion dollar initiative funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for 20,000 outstanding students with significant financial need to reach their full potential.

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GMS initiative and has partnered with the following organizations:

• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

• American Indian Graduate Center Scholars

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund

• United Negro College Fund

About the Program

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Over 7,100 Gates Millennium Scholars have completed a degree since the program’s inception

Average freshman retention rate 97%; sophomore rate 96% Five-year graduation rate is 79.2% and over 90% in six years 35% of Gates Millennium Scholars transition to graduate

school within one year after graduation 17% into a GMS funded field 18% into other graduate programs

Program Accomplishments

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Not Just About Money…

• Student Leadership Conferences

• GMS Leadership Academies

• Scholar Connection• Alumni Relations

Program• Mentoring Program

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The Application Process… 1. Nominator Form – Educator/Guidance Counselor Educator who is familiar with the student’s academic background completes

the Nominator Form

2. Recommender Form – Community Service/Leadership Advocate Community member or individual who is aware of the student’s community

service and leadership activities completes the Recommender Form and

3. Nominee Form – Student Student completes comprehensive Nominee Personal Information Form.

Independent readers complete individualized reading and scoring assessment of each eligible Nominee in three major areas:

A. academic achievement, B. community service, and C. leadership potential

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Nomination materials are available at www.gmsp.org

A Complete Application Packet Consist of:

1. Student Application (Nominee Personal Information Form)

2. Educator’s evaluation of the student’s academic record (Nominator Form)

3. Evaluation of the student’s community service and leadership activities (Recommender Form)

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Who are Gates Scholars?