Scholarships available for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students

07/23/14

Edmonds College will be awarding approximately 15 one-year scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year to low-income, educationally talented, and disadvantaged students studying science, technology, engineering, or math.

First consideration for scholarships applications is Sept. 1; however, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Sept. 29.

The funding for the scholarships — coined as EdSTEM$ — comes from a $592,240 grant from the National Science Foundation awarded to Edmonds CC in 2011.

The grant aims to encourage more students to select college majors in and pursue careers in biology, chemistry, computer information systems, computer science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, and physics.

In addition to having opportunities to participate in service-learning and undergraduate research projects, scholarship recipients receive support services including tutoring, advising, and assistance from faculty mentors.

"The EdSTEM$ scholarship not only provided me with the means to continue my education — a financial impossibility for my family and me — but also provided me with the support and encouragement to pursue undergraduate research and honors level work in my classes," said Sumaya Ifland, who received an EdSTEM$ scholarship in 2013.

Ifland graduated in June with an Associate of Science in Physics and plans to transfer to the University of Washington to study physics.

"I found an environment at Edmonds CC that engaged my curiosity, challenged my abilities, and helped me refine my academic interest in physics," said Ifland.

Robby Hunt — also a scholarship recipient — is working toward his Associate of Applied Science-Transfer degree in Materials Science Technology.

"For me, the EdSTEM$ scholarship has been invaluable," said Hunt. "The hours I would have had to spend working are now instead my study hours."

Hunt says that "the close association with other STEM students and faculty provides a wealth of knowledge and support, and students are willing to pass on tips and lessons learned to help others avoid pitfalls."

Students eligible to receive the scholarship are those who are: experiencing financial challenges to attend college; maintaining a 2.5 GPA or better; planning to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math; and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.