S-STEM Scholarship – and Application Workshop

Are you a Computer Science major? Transferring to Stan State in Fall 2024?

Then this scholarship is for you! Apply Now!

Come to an application workshop! NEW TIME!

Happening Friday, September 8th, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM in AGIT-131

Fill out this shortened Interest form to get email updates about this event

Snacks to be provided, information on the Cal-Bridge Opportunity, and Application Help for this awesome opportunity!

Calling All Computer Science Enthusiasts!

Are you passionate about Computer Science, attending your final year here at Merced College as a Computer Science Major, and aiming to transfer to Stan State in Fall 2024? We’ve got an incredible opportunity just for you! Introducing the S-STEM Scholarship Program, a game-changer in your educational journey.

📅 Mark your calendar: Join us for an engaging workshop on September 8th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in IAC 139. It’s not just an application workshop – it’s your gateway to a brighter future!

Why should you attend?
– 📝 Get expert assistance with your application for this scholarship, as well as all questions answered.
– 🍔 Enjoy tasty snacks as you dive into this awesome opportunity.

– 🚀 Explore the amazing Cal-Bridge Opportunity.

About the S-STEM Scholarship Program:
Our program offers financial support and unmatched opportunities:
– 💰 Up to $5,200 scholarship annually this year at Merced College!
– 📚 Professional development in data science.
– ✈️ Travel funds for workshops, conferences, and competitions; such as GMiS.
– 🎓 Guided degree planning to ensure your success.

Who’s eligible?
– ✔️ U.S. citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or refugees.
– 💸 Demonstrated financial need (verified by FAFSA).
– 🌟 High academic potential and performance.
– 🎓 Transferring from Merced College? You’re are the only ones in!

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your education and future career. Whether you’re a coding pro or just getting started, this scholarship is for second year Computer Science students – transferring to Stan State in Fall 2024.  The S-STEM Scholarship Program is here to support and propel you toward excellence.

By signing up on this form you will be sent more information about the workshop, and the zoom link should you choose to attend virtually – though I wouldn’t, there will be great snacks!

Apply now and join us at the workshop to turn your aspirations into achievements! Your journey to success starts here. 🌟🎉

Program Overview

The S-STEM scholarship program provides financial support to Computer Science students with high academic potential and financial need. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant Number: 2221680.  In addition to the financial support, the program engages students in co-curricular activities focused on cyber-security, data science, and professional development that prepare participants for future careers.

The program targets undergraduate Computer Science students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and California State University, Stanislaus.  The program also funds qualified students at El Paso Community College (EPCC) and Merced College (MCC) who intend to transfer to one of the two four-year institutions.

The S-STEM Consortium consists of the following four institutions:

• The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
• California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State)
• El Paso Community College (EPCC)
• Merced College (MCC) 

Benefits:

Financial Support

The S-STEM program will fund students seeking a degree in Computer Science for a period of up to four years. Funded students at UTEP and Stan State will receive an annual scholarship up to the amounts shown below, based on their academic level and financial need:

• Freshman: $8,000
• Sophomore: $8,000
• Junior: $9,000
• Senior: $10,000

Funded students at EPCC/MCC may receive up to $5,200 in the year prior to transfer to UTEP/Stan State, and up to the amounts shown above in their junior and senior years.

Professional Preparation

Funded students will be engaged in co-curricular activities that enhance their professional skills, as well as competency in the cyber-security and data science areas. Students will be provided professional workshops, competitions, and research. Selected students will be provided travel funds to attend professional workshops, conferences, and competitions.

Program Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for the S-STEM scholarship are as follows:

• U.S. Citizenship, or U.S. permanent residency, or otherwise U.S. National or Refugee as defined by section 101(a) or section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
• Verified financial need through the campus Financial Aid Office as defined by the Department of Education rules for need-based Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA].
• High academic performance and potential as defined by the program.  [Incoming freshmen students are expected to show strong academic promise (e.g. high GPA, strong recommendations, or high standardized test scores)]

Students enrolled at a feeder community college (MCC or EPCC) will also submit their degree plan and course approval form to the S-STEM program lead at the four-year institution (Stan State or UTEP) each semester before scholarship funds are released for that semester.

Continuation Eligibility

Each scholarship student will work with an S-STEM advisor to develop a degree plan through graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS). The purpose of the degree plan is to ensure that funded students earn a BSCS degree within the four-year funding limit. The S-STEM program will provide funds for students on a semester basis. Funded students will be evaluated at the end of each semester to ensure that they continue to meet program requirements. To maintain eligibility, the following criteria will be verified annually:

• Financial aid eligibility through the corresponding institution’s financial aid office as defined by the Department of Education rules for need-based Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA]
• Competitive cumulative and program GPA
• Satisfactory progress toward a BSCS degree

The S-STEM program will provide activities to support the scholars’ success. Students who fail to maintain the academic requirements of the BSCS program may be placed on a probation period for one semester to allow them to regain eligibility.  Students who succeed in regaining eligibility after one semester will be provided with funds after the probation semester. Students who fail to regain eligibility after one semester will not receive any further funding.