National Science Foundation S-STEM Scholarships in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Idaho State University
WHO: Current and incoming chemistry and biochemistry majors at ISU who plan to pursue a career in chemistry and who can demonstrate both academic excellence and a need for financial assistance.
WHAT: Renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 annually.
WHEN: Applications will be evaluated as they are received, and award recipients will be notified on a continuing basis beginning in February. Applications will be accepted through April 2nd.
WHERE: Application forms may be obtained from, and should be submitted to the ISU Scholarship Office.
WHY: Chemistry has historically been known as the "Central Science" tying together the physical and life sciences. Today, chemical research occupies center stage as a driving force in the development of new energy technology, the design and synthesis of new drugs, and the creation of advanced materials from electronics to plastics. An undergraduate degree in chemistry offers a student a wide variety of opportunities to pursue these subjects in the chemical industry or as a graduate student. The goal of the NSF S-STEM Scholarship is to open the doors of this field to promising students otherwise lacking the financial resources to complete an undergraduate degree. In addition to financially supporting students in this endeavor, the program aims to help foster a chemistry community that equips students with the skills and credentials required to move forward toward a thriving chemistry career.
Eligibility Details. To be considered for a scholarship through the NSF S-STEM Chemistry Scholarship Program at ISU, each candidate must be a student in one of following groups:
- graduating high school seniors intending to major in chemistry/biochemistry
- transfer students entering ISU's Chemistry or Biochemistry program
- ISU freshmen, sophomores and juniors majoring in chemistry or biochemistry
In addition, each applicant must:
- be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States
- demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) and the Student Aid Report (SAR) form
- demonstrate that their goal upon graduation is to work in the chemical or biochemical sciences or to attend a graduate program in one of these fields*
*Please note that students intending to enter health professional programs, such as pharmacy, medical, or dental school, are not eligible for this scholarship.
Scholarship Details: As many as 10 scholarships, renewable for up to 4 years, will be awarded. The awards, up to $10,000 annually depending on need, may be applied to tuition, fees, university insurance, room, board, and books. Scholarship funds will be distributed through the ISU financial aid office, with disbursements to scholarship recipients occurring twice yearly, in August and in January.
How to Apply: Application forms may be obtained from the ISU Scholarship Office (Museum Building 327 Stop 8391, Pocatello, ID 83209-8391) or the ISU Department of Chemistry (Stop 8023, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209-8023), or may be accessed electronically at http://www.isu.edu/scholar/forms/NSF-S-STEMapp.pdf. Application forms and all supporting documents (see below) should be submitted to the scholarship office. Applications will be evaluated as received, and will be accepted until April 2, 2012. Candidates will be notified of their status as applications are reviewed, by mid-April at the latest.
Application Requirements for Incoming Freshman
- Application Form
- One-Page Essay describing why you want to study chemistry at Idaho State University and ultimately pursue a career in chemistry or biochemistry.
- Two Letters of Recommendation, including one letter from a chemistry instructor and a second from a Math or Science instructor who can provide insight into your personal character, potential, motivation, and ability to successfully complete a rigorous chemistry program.
Application Requirements for ISU Chemistry & Transfer Students
- Application Form
- One-Page Essay describing why you want to study chemistry at Idaho State University and ultimately pursue a career in chemistry or biochemistry.
- Two Letters of Recommendation including at least one letter from a chemistry instructor and a second from a Math or Science instructor who can provide insight into your personal character, potential, motivation, and ability to successfully complete a rigorous chemistry program.
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- College freshmen: Provide a high school transcript in addition to the college transcript.
- Transfer students: Submit copies of transcripts from all previous institutions attended (a transcript from your current institution that includes transferred credits/courses is acceptable).
- Current Course Schedule