S-STEM Scholarship

Eastern Connecticut State University has been awarded a prestigious $649,957 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to implement “Beyond the Curriculum a Learning Community for Success” scholarship program. Students accepted to the program will be designated as “Eastern Success Scholars”. The program is tailored towards students who intend to pursue science-related careers, have a demonstrated financial need, have a high school GPA of 3.4 or more, and who will major in biology or mathematical sciences. The 3.4 GPA criterion will be waived for students whose academic potential is demonstrated through their personal essay, recommendation letter, and experiences. Each scholarship is valued up to $9,750 per year for four years, provided the student is enrolled full time, and participates in the program activities. Five scholars will be accepted for the Fall 2021 cohort.

Curricular and co-curricular programs will foster increased student success and help transition the scholars to professional schools and STEM-based careers. The grant will also improve our understanding of the effective parameters that will promote student achievement, retention and graduation rates.

Applying for the Scholarship

The application is separate from the Eastern Connecticut State University application. The process is:

1. Interested students must first apply to be admitted to Eastern Connecticut State University application, as a member of the first-year Class of 2026.
   
   
2. After completing your Eastern Connecticut State University application, you will need to complete a personal essay, in 500 words or less describing why majoring in biology or mathematical sciences is your passion and is important for your career goals. Provide answers to 1 or more of the areas outlined below:
   
                   What motivates you?
                   What do you love about science?
                   What societal issues of interest to you may be resolved through science?
                   Describe a challenge you faced and your resolution to that challenge.
                   What careers interest you and why?
   
   Include your name and Eastern ID on your personal essay.

Eastern Success Scholars, NSF S-STEM Scholarship
Dr. Barbara Murdoch
Department of Biology
Eastern Connecticut State University
83 Windham Street
Willimantic, CT 06226-2295