National Science Foundation STEM Scholars Program
We are pleased to announce a scholars program through the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM program for students majoring in certain areas* of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
The objective of the program is to adapt high impact practices that have been proven to increase retention and graduation rates for high-achieving, first generation, and commuter students who typically have responsibilities outside of school.
*Qualifying UM-Dearborn majors: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Computer & Information Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Bioengineering, and Chemistry.
This program offers special opportunities for our STEM Scholars
- STEM Scholars will be placed together in a special section of Calculus and Foundations during their first semester.
- Peer mentoring, a dedicated STEM Advisor, and faculty mentoring will be provided throughout the four years.
- Students will be able to meet advisors and mentors online for convenience.
- A part-time paid research experience during one summer will earn the scholars a $1,850 stipend and allow them to explore several STEM research fields.
- Regular professional development activities will be held including alumni talks about STEM careers, resume building, applying for internships and co-ops, and research presentations and poster sessions. Note that to accommodate student’s busy schedules some of these activities will be online.
- A dedicated campus space will be open only to STEM Scholars.
- STEM Scholars can participate in a research study that involves surveys and focus groups to understand how to better support students at a commuter campus.
STEM Scholars will receive a full-tuition scholarship funded through a combination of the National Science Foundation and other eligible funding.
- US citizenship, permanent residency, or status as a US national or admitted refugee
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Mathematics placement into Calculus I or higher
- Intention to enter UM-Dearborn in one of the majors:
- Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Computer & Information Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Bioengineering, or Chemistry
- Financial need, based on the standard forms, including the FAFSA, submitted to the Financial Aid Office, showing an expected family contribution (EFC) of less than $500 and eligibility for Pell Grant Aid.
- Complete STEM Scholarship Application (applications are emailed to eligible students starting in January)
- Submit one letter of recommendation from the student’s high school mathematics teacher, science teacher, or counselor.
- Participate in a group interview with the selection panel.
Application Deadline: Please submit your application by June 2024 for consideration. *Application dates are delayed due to issues with FAFSA.
The scholarship will be renewed for up to four years as long as the scholar remains enrolled in a STEM major, maintains a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and meet regularly their STEM Advisor.