A Kent State student researcher conducts an experiment
in a science lab on the Kent Campus. The university is
accepting applications for a federally funded scholarship
program that encourages careers in the sciences.

Kent State University is now accepting applications for a federally funded scholarship program that encourages careers in the sciences. The university’s Scholarships for Broadening Participation in the Sciences will annually provide 21 undergraduate scholarships, averaging $5,000 each, to promising science students.

The National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will be awarded to students who are financially disadvantaged, allowing them to pursue a full-time program of studies that can be completed in four years. The scholarship is renewable each year and available from now until the 2017-2018 academic year.

“Science majors here at Kent State should certainly apply for this program,” says Joe Ortiz, professor of geology and faculty associate for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “We provide both funding and mentoring to help students stay on track to graduate. I also encourage any students who are considering declaring or changing their major to a science major to apply.”

A main goal of the program is to increase the diversity in the sciences, according to Ortiz.

“We strongly encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply,” Ortiz says. “We also urge women interested in pursuing a career in computer science or physics to apply for this excellent scholarship opportunity.”

A report recently issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce provides compelling data regarding the career opportunities available for students in the sciences:

• Jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grew at a rate three times that of non-STEM jobs in the first decade of this century.
• STEM jobs are projected to grow by 17 percent over the second decade of this century.
• STEM workers will help America stay at the forefront of the world’s economy by generating new ideas, new companies and new industries.
  

Current scholarship awardees of the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics who wish to be considered for funding in the following year will need to complete a new application. The application deadline for the 2013-2014 academic year is April 15.

Eligibility
Students applying for this scholarship must intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the sciences from one of the programs offered at Kent State. This includes programs such as computer science, chemistry, physics, geology, biology, physical anthropology and mathematics. Students pursuing degrees toward medical professions such as pre-med and nursing are not eligible. Students also must meet the federal eligibility guidelines and requirements to receive financial aid and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Application Process
The application includes the student’s academic record, two letters of recommendation and a one-page essay written by the applicant. The essay should discuss the applicant’s science abilities, what he or she has learned about the field, what strengths and weaknesses the student possesses and what the student’s aspirations are for a science career.

Applicants will be judged based on their financial need, academic record, letters of recommendation and essay. Scholarship awardees will be linked academically through a shared interest in computational and quantitative approaches to problem solving in the sciences.

Scholarship Recipient Requirements
Student recipients of Kent State’s Scholarships for Broadening Participation in the Sciences are required to:

• Remain in good academic standing within their STEM major
• Participate in the program’s social and mentoring activities
• Participate in the interdisciplinary STEM scholarship capstone
• Work with a STEM faculty mentor on a research in their area of expertise
  

More information about the program can be found at www.stem-scholarships.kent.edu.

Students with questions about the program should contact Ortiz at 330-672-2225 or jortiz@kent.edu.