University Scholars in STEM

University Scholars in STEM is an NSF-funded scholarship and academic program for undergraduate students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Eligible majors include all engineering disciplines, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science.

The Program provides scholarships ranging from $1500 to $10,000 per student per academic year toward the cost of instruction (tuition, books, room and board). The actual amount awarded is based on financial need using the FAFSA. Scholarships are renewable to cover 3 years of an undergraduate degree, contigent on continued eligibility and NSF funding.

In addition to financial awards, students in the program participate in weekly cohort meetings on a variety of topics including STEM speakers from industry and academia, and academic skill workshops. There are also social activities to strengthen the cohort connection and occasional STEM related field trips.

Students work in groups each year to complete a research poster and develop technical communication skills by presenting the poster at the annual poster conference sponsered jointly by the Choose Ohio First Success in Math programs at Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, University of Akron, and Youngstown State University. This year CSU hosted the poster conference on April 23, 2017.  Almost 300 students attended with 79 posters presented (22 from CSU).

This is the no-cost extention year of this grant.  The first reapplication failed.  We reapplied again in March 2017, with Dr. Kiril Streletsky as PI. I was on both applications as a co-PI.