NSF Scholarships

National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S-STEM)

This scholarship program is for academically talented students majoring in a STEM discipline at Merced College who have financial need.

If you plan to obtain a degree in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics, you may be eligible to participate in this scholarship program.

The S-STEM scholarship program at Merced College is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF Award No. 2130302). Approximately 32 unique students will be accepted into the program over a six-year timespan. Accepted students will receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year.

In addition to the financial award, scholarship recipients (scholars) will engage in a variety of activities designed to facilitate engagement, resilience, and success in their chosen discipline. Scholars will regularly interact with each other as well as with faculty and peer mentors. The program will include a half-unit course that will explore challenges and benefits associated with pursuing a STEM degree; a career assessment as well as strategies for success will be included as part of the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence;
  • Be enrolled at least half-time at Merced College in a S-STEM eligible discipline.
  • Demonstrate academic potential, professional characteristics, and commitment to STEM.
  • Be low-income as defined by Federal PELL-eligibility.
  • Have unmet financial need.

Maintaining Eligibility

Students accepted into the program must demonstrate eligibility each semester to continue in the program. To continue, scholars must:

  • Remain at least a half-time student in good standing at Merced with a declared major in biology, engineering, physics, chemistry, or computer science.
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • Earn passing grades in science and math courses.
  • Maintain financial aid eligibility as defined above.
  • Actively participate in the program by attending workshop sessions and the majority of scholar enrichment activities, and communicate regularly with mentors and the program director.

Scholars who do not maintain eligibility will be placed on program probation, provided with assistance and academic support, and reevaluated at the conclusion of the following semester. Students who have not increased their performance accordingly will be dismissed from the program.

How to Apply

  1. If you haven’t already done so, apply to be a student at Merced College.
  2. Compose either an essay (limit: 1 page) or video introduction (limit: 10 minutes) about yourself. Please describe your STEM-related motivation, any career goals you may have, any relevant extracurricular activities/community service, and any personal circumstances you think may be relevant to consider when your application is being evaluated.
  3. Gather Letters of Recommendation (from teachers, mentors, or employers).
  4. Complete the scholarship application available through the Office of Financial Aid.
For More Information

Please contact Emily Reed: emily.reed@mccd.edu