Caldwell University S-STEM Pillar Program
Caldwell University was awarded a National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM) grant to support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students majoring in biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Students participating in the program will receive a $5,500 per year scholarship.
Additionally, students will receive mentorship from STEM faculty at Caldwell University, participate in group activities with other program participants, and research opportunities.
There are only a limited number of spaces in the program. To be eligible for the program students must meet the following criteria:
- Intent to major in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics
- Have a high school GPA of at least 3.0
- Have a high school STEM (biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics) GPA of at least 3.0
- Demonstrate Financial Need by completing the FASFA
- This scholarship is for students who are planning to enter a STEM field. Due to NSF requirements, this award cannot be given to students who are pursuing a medical degree.
If you have any questions about the program, please email s-stem@caldwell.edu. If you are interested in the program, please complete the Application for the Caldwell University S-STEM Pillar Program. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
As part of the application you will be required to send a letter of recommendation, answer a few short questions about your career goals and write a short essay.
Have you had any experience in learning a science topic about which you were previously unfamiliar? Describe how you overcame this challenge and grew as a scientist as a result. Describe a STEM-related project or test whose outcome or score disappointed you. Did this disappointment motivate you to improve? In what ways did you go about it? What did you take away from this experience?
FAQ
How do I complete the FAFSA?
- Log in to the FAFSA website (www.fafsa.gov) and select the “START HERE” button on the FAFSA homepage.
- Follow the easy step-by-step instructions
If I am accepted into the program and later change my major to a non-STEM degree, what will happen?
This scholarship is only available to students with a major in Biology, Chemistry, or Math. If you are not majoring in one of these three subjects, you will no longer be eligible for the scholarship.
If I am accepted into the program and later change my major from Biology to Health Science what will happen?
Health Science, Public Health and Nursing majors are not eligible for this scholarship. If you change to one of these majors, you will no longer be eligible for the scholarship.
Are international students able to apply?
The NSF only can provide scholarships to students who are a US citizen, permanent resident, national or refugee.
If I already receive other forms of financial aid, how will getting the S-STEM scholarship affect those awards?
This scholarship can be added to the other scholarships and/or other grant funding you receive such as Pell, Caldwell University Scholarships, and outside scholarships.
What are my requirements if I get awarded the S-STEM scholarship?
You will need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while attending Caldwell. You will need to show continued financial need and remain a STEM major (Biology, Chemistry, or Math). You will also be required to attend and participate in events that assist in furthering your academic and professional
achievement. Students will be encouraged to participate in studies designed to understand their experiences in the program.
Will working at a job affect my eligibility for the S-STEM scholarship?
No, however, this scholarship is intended to help you work less so that you can spend more time studying and participating in other activities such as internships and research. We strongly recommend you reduce your work hours as much as possible if awarded this scholarship so that you can maintain the necessary GPA and participate in all of the opportunities the scholarship provides.
If I transfer to another school, will my S-STEM scholarship go with me?
No, it will not.
Who should I ask for a recommendation letter?
You can ask for a letter from a high school teacher (STEM teacher preferred), counselor/advisor or someone who knows you well. Have your letter writer send their letter directly to the STEM Scholars program committee; the email address is on the recommendation letter form.
Partial support for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S STEM) program under Award No. 1930295. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.