The National Science Foundation (NSF) just answered a big question: How can talented, science-minded students go to college if they don’t have the funds?
The NSF awarded Missouri State University $1.5 million to provide scholarships to students interested in science, technology, engineering and math over the next six years.
“It’s a rigorous, competitive process to obtain NSF funding, so we are very grateful,” said Dr. Ajay Katangur, MSU department head of computer science and principal investigator.
“It’s incredibly important to support students who might otherwise miss out on a college education. If we don’t, we all miss out on the scientific contributions they might have made.”
Meeting a need
Providing more opportunities for scholarships, especially for low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial needs, has become increasingly important at Missouri State.
Programs like this also align with MSU’s goals on diversity, equity and inclusion, according to Dr. Jorge Rebaza, associate dean of MSU’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS).
“Through this project, MSU will be able to provide scholarships to STEM undergraduates with academic talent or potential, but have unmet financial needs,” Rebaza said.
How it works
Starting in fall 2023, the university will give $9,300 scholarships to a cohort of freshmen for three consecutive years. The scholarship could be renewed each year through graduation if a student maintains a 2.85 or higher GPA and majors in STEM at Missouri State.
Qualifying majors include:
- Biology.
- Chemistry or biochemistry.
- Computer science.
- Engineering.
- Mathematics.
- Physics, astronomy and materials science.
Students must apply and demonstrate unmet financial need each year.
Information about how to apply will be available on the CNAS website soon. Students in qualifying majors will be notified via email.
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