NSF STAR Project

Scholarships, Teams, and Research

The goal of this project is to increase STEM degree completion of low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial need. TWU STAR seeks to increase engagement, retention and graduation in its STEM divisions (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science) through S-STEM scholarships and co-curricular support, including mentoring, research, and/or shadowing.

The National Science Foundation STAR Project awards scholarships up to $5,000 per semester (for up to six semesters) to academically motivated students who demonstrate financial need as indicated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Students must be enrolled at least half-time and have declared a STEM discipline as their major. STAR Scholars are also provided with opportunities to include mentoring, research, and career preparation.

Student supports

• Mentoring
• STEM identity development
• Cohort development
• Career investigation and guidance

STAR requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics (except for clinical fields such as pre-med)
• Enroll in minimum of six credit hours
• Demonstrate financial need by completing current-year FAFSA
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

STAR application

• Complete online S-STEM scholarship application in TWU Pioneer Scholarship System
• Upload personal statement to application
• Include two references for letters of recommendation
• Email unofficial transcript to NSF-STAR@twu.edu
• Complete an interview with grant coordinators

Program contacts

Grant coordinator – Kelly Finch, MEd
Email: kfinch3@twu.edu
Phone: 940-898-2679

Grant coordinator – Christy Hill, MS
Email:chill11@twu.edu