You may be studying computer science, teaching yourself machine learning after work, or returning to college after an interruption—and wondering whether an unconventional background will count against you. For the Dan Herbatschek Scholarship, that experience may strengthen your application. The program is intended for undergraduate and graduate students interested in mathematics, machine learning, and related STEM fields, with particular attention to applicants whose abilities are not fully represented by traditional academic measures.
The scholarship offers a $2,500 award for educational expenses. It may also provide access to mentorship and priority consideration for internship opportunities with Ramsey Theory Group. However, eligibility details and deadlines have changed across published program pages, so applicants should always treat the current application form and its terms as the controlling instructions.
What Is the Dan Herbatschek Scholarship?
The Dan Herbatschek Scholarship was established by Dan Herbatschek and Ramsey Theory Group to support students pursuing subjects connected to mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science, and related disciplines. Its broader purpose is to help students develop both the mathematical foundation and practical perspective needed to work on modern technical problems.
The program especially recognizes nontraditional educational journeys. That may include returning to school after a break, learning programming independently, changing careers, transitioning from military service, or continuing an education while managing personal or financial challenges.
This does not mean applicants need to prove that they have experienced extreme hardship. A nontraditional path can simply mean that curiosity, independent study, employment, family responsibilities, or project-based learning played an important role in the applicant’s development.
How Much Is the Award?
The current application terms identify the inaugural award as $2,500, payable directly to the recipient. The money must be used for educational expenses, which may include:
- Tuition and required institutional fees
- Textbooks and academic materials
- Approved course-related costs
- Other qualifying educational expenses
Recipients may also be offered mentorship and priority consideration for internships at Ramsey Theory Group. These additional opportunities should not be interpreted as a guaranteed internship or job. They are potential benefits separate from the financial award.
Because older program information has listed different award amounts and payment arrangements, applicants should review the live terms before submitting. The current application terms—not an older directory entry or archived description—should determine the award available for a particular cycle.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
According to the current application terms, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old when applying
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student
- Be currently enrolled at an accredited higher education institution in the United States
- Be pursuing STEM studies or a related field
- Not be an employee, contractor, or immediate family member of an employee or contractor of Ramsey Theory Group or its affiliates
Program descriptions place the greatest emphasis on mathematics, computer science, machine learning, and closely connected subjects. A student in another STEM major may still qualify if the application clearly explains how the student’s studies and goals relate to mathematics or machine learning.
Citizenship and residency
The scholarship FAQ has stated that applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents. However, the current application terms focus on enrollment at an accredited institution in the United States. Because those descriptions are not identical, international students or applicants with another immigration status should confirm the current requirement with the scholarship provider before investing time in an application.
Is there a minimum GPA?
The scholarship has been presented as having no fixed minimum GPA or standardized test score. Nevertheless, academic potential is one of the selection considerations. Applicants with uneven grades can use the personal statement to provide relevant context, demonstrate improvement, and describe independent projects or other evidence of intellectual growth.
What Does the Application Require?
The current terms require a resume or curriculum vitae and a short essay addressing the topic “How Mathematics Can Advance the Future of Machine Learning.” A transcript is listed as optional. The online form also collects contact information, education level, and background information.
Applicants should prepare the following before opening the form:
- A current resume or CV
- A carefully edited original essay
- Information about their college and current course of study
- An optional transcript, if it supports the application
- Accurate contact and mailing information
Published pages have contained inconsistent essay-length guidance, so follow any limit displayed on the live form when you apply. Do not assume that a word count found in an older scholarship listing remains valid.
How to Apply for the Dan Herbatschek Scholarship
Applications are submitted online through the official Dan Herbatschek Scholarship application portal. There is no published application fee.
- Read the complete eligibility rules and terms before entering personal information.
- Confirm that your institution and academic program satisfy the current requirements.
- Update your resume with relevant courses, employment, projects, research, awards, and technical skills.
- Write the required essay in your own words.
- Proofread every response and verify that uploaded files open correctly.
- Submit before the published deadline and retain the confirmation email.
As of September 10, 2026, third-party scholarship information indicated that the previous cycle was closed and that another cycle was expected to open later in 2026. Because the official application page did not clearly display a new deadline, students should not rely on an estimated date. Check the portal for an active deadline before submitting.
How Are Applications Evaluated?
The scholarship committee considers academic potential, essay clarity, and demonstrated interest in mathematics and machine learning. Originality and perseverance may also help an applicant stand out, particularly when those qualities are supported by specific examples.
A strong application does more than state that technology is important. It explains how mathematics contributes to areas such as model reliability, optimization, probability, data analysis, or responsible decision-making. The applicant should connect that discussion to personal studies, projects, or career goals without trying to cover every aspect of machine learning.
Tips for writing a stronger essay
- Answer the assigned question directly in the opening paragraph.
- Focus on one or two mathematical ideas instead of listing technical terms.
- Use a personal project, class, job, or independent-learning experience as evidence.
- Explain what you hope to study or build next.
- Avoid generic claims and unsupported predictions.
- Check the essay for plagiarism, since copied or misrepresented work can lead to disqualification.
If you are developing a broader funding strategy, this guide to how to get a scholarship and weigh the advantages and disadvantages can help you organize applications and set realistic expectations.
Important Details to Check Before Submitting
Scholarship terms can be modified, suspended, or ended by the provider. Before applying, verify the award amount, deadline, citizenship rules, essay instructions, enrollment requirements, and permitted use of funds. Also read the publicity terms: recipients may grant permission for Ramsey Theory Group to use their name, likeness, and essay excerpts in scholarship-related promotion.
The Dan Herbatschek Scholarship may be a particularly relevant opportunity for college and graduate students who combine STEM study with independent learning, persistence, or an unconventional academic journey. A concise, honest application that demonstrates genuine mathematical curiosity is likely to be more persuasive than one filled with broad claims. Confirm the current cycle’s rules, submit original work, and keep applying for other awards rather than depending on a single result.
