Skip to main content

S-STEM Scholars Program

START YOUR STEM PROGRAM CAREER WITH
THE HELP OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION S-STEM SCHOLARSHIP


PROGRAM INFORMATION

The S-STEM Scholars program aims to increase STEM degree completion of high achieving, low income undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. The S-STEM Scholars program will provide a renewable last-dollar scholarship (up to $10,000 after all other grants and scholarships have been taken into account) to eligible incoming first-year students who have applied to UW-Stevens Point for Fall 2023 and are majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry through graduation (up to eight semesters of support). During their time in the program, scholars will participate in various activities in support of their studies and career aspirations, such as supplemental instruction for introductory classes, paid research opportunities, and academic and career advising. This program is funded through the National Science Foundation S-STEM grant (FAIN 2220586).

We are recruiting ten S-STEM Scholars for the first year of this program. These ten students will participate in a welcome-week activity, take many of the same classes, and experience the S-STEM Scholars activities unique to the program. If you plan to major in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, intend to go into the STEM workforce (you want to either a) go to graduate school in a STEM field or b) obtain a job in a STEM field after graduation), have demonstrated financial need, and are excited for academic and career support opportunities, this may be the program for you!

To remain in the program, S-STEM Scholars must maintain the following:

1.) A declared major in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry (or other eligible STEM field if transitioned away from Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry)

2.) Full-time student status with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0

3.) Be on track to graduate in four-years and intend to enter the STEM workforce. Intent to enter the STEM workforce means that you want to either a) go to graduate school in a STEM field or b) obtain a job in a STEM field after graduation and that you are not interested in going to dental school, medical school, pharmacy school, etc. Pre-professionals (pre-dental, pre-medical, etc.) are not eligible for the S-STEM Scholars program.

Students are expected to participate in all S-STEM Scholar activities that are provided as part of the program.

See the complete list of activities below.  

Program Details
Scholars accepted into the program will participate in the following:

  • Welcome-week meet and greet with fellow scholars and UWSP S-STEM Program Team
  • Cohort scheduling of courses with fellow scholars
  • First-year seminar course with other students in the major to foster peer interactions
  • Supplemental instruction for introductory chemistry and biology courses
  • Shadowing research rotation in the second semester to explore research options
  • Paid research opportunity for remaining six semesters
  • Mentoring and career advising by faculty

Determine your potential eligibility. If you answer yes to the following questions, you are eligible to apply to the S-STEM Scholars program.

  • Are you an incoming first-year student who has applied to UW-Stevens Point for Fall 2023 start?
  • Will you declare a major in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry?
  • Do you intend to enter the STEM workforce? Intent to enter the STEM workforce means that you want to either a) go to graduate school in a STEM field or b) obtain a job in a STEM field after graduation and that you are not interested in going to dental school, medical school, pharmacy school, etc. Pre-professionals (pre-dental, pre-medical, etc.) are not eligible for the S-STEM Scholars program.
  • Do you aspire to do well academically?
  • Do you have demonstrated financial need (are you Pell-eligible)?
    • This last question may be difficult to answer. The best way to determine this is by filling out the FAFSA, see the information below.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Apply now! Scholarships are still available and applications will continue until further notice. This document shows you what is all on the application so that you can prepare. Progress in the application link cannot be saved, so please be prepared to submit your answers in one sitting. Click here to submit an application.

2. CONFIRM LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Have two letters of recommendation from a teacher, faculty, or other professional submitted on your behalf. Applicants: provide each letter writer with this document, which specifies the contents of the letter. Letter writers can submit their letters of recommendation at this link. 

3. CONFIRM FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY

Complete the FAFSA at this link. Note that completing the FAFSA is not acceptance of financial aid. It is determination of eligibility for financial aid. You will receive details on your specific financial aid offer and how to accept only after eligibility has been determined. Likewise, completing the FAFSA is an important step in confirming whether you are eligible for the S-STEM program (up to eight semesters of support). Find information about filling out the FAFSA at the UWSP Financial Aid and Veteran Services website.