STEM Scholars Program (CLASS Scholarship)

STEM Scholars Program (Communities Leveraged to Advance Scholars Success - CLASS)

Funder: National Science Foundation - Division of Undergraduate Education (Award #2221574)

Geographic Scope: Albany State University (GA, US)

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for up to four years of study

Focus Areas:

Biology

Chemistry

Forensic Science

STEM student success and retention

Program Overview:
This project recognizes the impact of financial aid and an ecosystem of academic and co-curricular student supports on student success. The program will fund scholarships to 24 unique full-time students in biology, chemistry, and forensic science over the six-year duration of the project.

Key Features:

Two-semester First Year Experience

Course-linked learning communities

Service-learning opportunities

Undergraduate research participation

Faculty professional development

Early Alert Programs

Academic Advising and Support Services

Peer-faculty-alumni mentoring

Monthly cohort meetings

Student attendance at conferences/professional meetings

Science communication focus in second-semester First Year Experience

Eligibility Requirements:

Accepted to Albany State University as an incoming freshman for fall semester

Biology, chemistry, or forensic science major with career interest in non-health/clinical field

Demonstrate financial need

Demonstrate academic talent (evidenced by Math/Verbal SAT/ACT scores, overall GPA, science GPA, academic honors/awards, advanced courses)

Maintain appropriate progress each semester toward degree requirements

Program Performance Metrics:

Average GPA of scholars above 3.5

Scholar pass rate in STEM courses above institutional pass rates

Over 70% of previous scholars participated in summer research internship

Scholars retention rate (active) >80%

Majority of scholars graduate in 4 years with minimal student loan debt

Contact Information:

Program Director: Dr. Louise Wrensford

Phone: (229) 500-3493

Email: Louise.wrensford@asurams.edu

Additional Staff Contacts:

Dr. Kenya Lemon (Biology): Kenya.lemon@asurams.edu, (229) 500-2302

Dr. Uzoma Okafor (Forensic Science): Uzoma.okafor@asurams.edu, (229) 500-2311

Dr. Seong Seo (Chemistry): Seong.seo@asurams.edu, (229) 500-2160