Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What is S-STEM?
S-STEM stands for Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the STEM fields.
Who funds S-STEM?
The program was initially funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for 4 years beginning August 2012 (Award No. DUE-1154394). The program was extended for two additional years and this is the final year of the program.
What are the goals of the TWU S-STEM program?
The overall goal of the S-STEM program is to increase the numbers of students pursuing advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields. The specific goals of the TWU S-STEM program are to:
- Increase the number of TWU students pursuing careers in STEM fields;
- Increase the number of students, especially women and minorities, in STEM majors;
- Increase the graduation rate of students in STEM majors, particularly minority and female students; and
- Decrease the average time to degree completion for students.
What are the benefits of becoming a TWU S-STEM scholar?
TWU S-STEM scholars will receive funds up to $10,000/year to cover tuition, fees and living expenses. Scholars may receive mentoring from faculty and peers, career counseling, opportunities to network with professionals, and increased interaction with fellow STEM majors. In addition, travel funds may be available for scholars to attend professional meetings and workshops.
What happens if a funded S-STEM scholar ceases to be eligible?
- Immigration status: A scholar must remain eligible or they will be dropped from the program.
- Student status: A scholar must remain eligible or they will be dropped from the program.
- Financial status: Scholars whose financial need drops to $0.00 may remain a scholar and participate in related activities, but will not receive funds to cover tuition, fees and living expenses.
- Academic performance status: Scholars must maintain both overall and STEM GPAs of 2.75. A scholar who does not maintain this benchmark will be put on probation for one semester during which time they will be expected to increase their GPA to at least 2.75. Such students will continue to be funded, will receive mentoring as to how to bring their GPA up, and will be provided access to tutoring, faculty, and peer remediation resources. Scholars who fail to re-establish minimum GPA standards after this semester of probation will be dropped from the program. Additionally, any scholar whose overall or STEM GPA falls below 3.0 will be required to provide monthly reports to their mentor and the SSTEM management team detailing their current grades in all enrolled courses.
Page last updated 1:23 PM, September 7, 2017