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S-STEM Scholars Program

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


Are you an incoming first-year student beginning at UWSP in fall 2024? Are you planning to major in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry? Do you have demonstrated financial need (Have you completed the FAFSA and are you Pell-eligible)? Are you interested in working in a STEM field or working on a master’s or doctorate in a STEM field after graduation?  If so, you may be eligible for the S-STEM scholarship program. Due to nationwide delays in the processing of the FAFSA, we will not be able to select S-STEM scholars until financial aid packages have been awarded, hopefully in May.

This scholarship program can provide you with up to $10,000 per year for all four years of college, with the exact amount based on your financial need.

Information Meeting VIDEO

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 2024 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).

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

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. 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.

2. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Applications for Fall 2024 will open Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Priority Application Deadline is Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

  • Complete the application.
  • Current and continuing UWSP students in these majors are ineligible for this program. Please see this website for scholarships for which you may qualify.
  • Applications received by the priority deadline are guaranteed to be reviewed and have the strongest chance of acceptance. Due to nationwide delays in the processing of the FAFSA, we will not be able to select S-STEM scholars until financial aid packages have been awarded, hopefully in May. If you have questions or concerns about the FAFSA, please reach out to finaid@uwsp.edu. For questions on the S-STEM program, please email Dr. Speetzen espeetze@uwsp.edu. Applicants will be notified of acceptance as soon as we are able.

3. CONFIRM LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Have one letter 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.