STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

The STEM Scholars Program provides scholarships to incoming students enrolling full-time in one of OCC’s nine STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree programs. Funding for this highly competitive award is made possible through a grant from the National Science Foundation.  Individuals of all backgrounds (race, ethnicity, age) with demonstrated financial aid need are invited to apply.  Students selected to become a STEM Scholar will receive a scholarship worth up to $5,000 per semester (individual awards vary as determined by Financial Aid) and can be renewed each semester, provided that a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time progress towards the STEM degree is maintained.  STEM Scholars will also take advantage of a variety of academic and support services including faculty mentors, peer mentors, career and transfer workshops, and summer research opportunities.

Students selected to become a STEM Scholar will receive a scholarship, renewable each semester, provided that a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time progress towards their STEM degree is maintained.  The amount of the award varies by student as determined by the Financial Aid office using information reported through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with maximum awards reaching $5,000 per semester. The goal of the scholarship is to offer students the opportunity to avoid taking out student loans or working an outside job to pay for college so that time can be focused on maintaining academic success.

STEM Scholars will also have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of academic and support services including faculty mentors, peer mentors, career and transfer workshops, summer research opportunities, etc. In addition, STEM Scholars in their 2nd year of attendance may apply to serve as a peer mentor to incoming STEM Scholars, earning additional funds on an hourly basis.

Do I qualify?

1. We welcome applications from students of all ages/races/ethnicities. Qualified applicants:
2. Must have applied and been accepted to OCC for the upcoming academic year
3. Must complete their FAFSA and New York State TAP applications for the incoming academic year
   
4. Must have unmet financial aid need (as determined by the Financial Aid office)
5. Must be an incoming student enrolling full-time in one of the STEM degree programs listed below: 
   • Computer Information Systems (CIS.AAS)
   • Environmental Technology (ENV.AAS)
   • Computer Science (CSC.AS)
   • Engineering Science (ENS.AS)'
   • Computer Forensic Science (CFS.AS)
   • Math & Science Liberal Arts (MTS.AS)
   • Electrical Engineering Technology (ELT. AAS)
   • Nuclear Technology (NET.AAS)
   • Mechanical Technology (MET.AAS) 

How do I keep the scholarship each semester?

In order to maintain their scholarship from one semester to the next, STEM Scholars must:

• Earn a 3.0 GPA (or higher) each semester
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA (or higher) overall
• Maintain full-time enrollment in courses related to their STEM degree program

In addition, STEM Scholars will be asked to complete required, periodic surveys to assist the college in documenting the success of the STEM Scholars Program to our National Science Foundation funding agency. 

During the semester, STEM Scholars are encouraged, when possible, to refrain from outside employment obligations, thus enhancing their ability to take advantage of research experiences, faculty mentoring, workshops, and other activities available during the academic year. Summer STEM research, internships and/or work experiences (both paid and unpaid) are encouraged. Returning STEM scholars will also be eligible to serve as tutors and mentors for new, incoming STEM scholars.

How do I apply? 

The deadline to apply for the upcoming 2016 - 2017 academic year has passed. 

For questions regarding STEM Scholars and future application dates, contact Maryann Page (Principal Investigator for the STEM Scholar’s program; Associate Professor of Biology) at pagem@sunyocc.edu .

The STEM Scholars program is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DUE-1259441.