Earlham program receives $750K for STEM students
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Earlham College has received a six-year, nearly $750,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a new career planning and scholarship program for low-income undergraduates pursuing STEM-focused degrees. Beginning next fall, a cohort of five students will be selected for the Earlham Science Scholar program and receive up to $10,000 per year in scholarships.
The college says the ESS program helps to provide more than classroom experience. It gives the students a customized path towards a degree, giving them access to learning experiences, including internships, research and off-campus study.
“The Earlham Science Scholars program has been crafted to take advantage of the things we already have in place and incorporates additional scaffolding and experiences that will make these students stand out from other applicants pursuing graduate school or entering the workforce,” said Mike Deibel, senior associate vice president of academic affairs. “For example, Earlham Science Scholars can begin with a summer research experience the summer after their freshman or sophomore year.”
The students must meet income eligibility, Earlham’s admission requirements, and be pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Scholarship recipients will also receive a paid Earlham summer research internship, and specialized mentorship from STEM faculty.
“The focus of this program nationally is to increase the number of STEM graduates working in communities around the country,” said Lori Watson, a professor of chemistry and a co-leader of the program. “Something that strengthened our grant application was our strong record of sending students into graduate school and our proximity to STEM industry, both locally and regionally.”
Students in the ESS program must remain in good academic standing to receive the scholarship over four years.
Earlham says when combined with a typical financial aid package for Pell-eligible students, the ESS program will significantly reduce the cost of attendance for qualifying students. Any remaining ESS money can be applied to the cost of room and board, books or fees.