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)

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

Application Process

Required Application Materials:

1. Complete the Albany State University S-STEM Scholarship application (accessible via QR code or at https://forms.gle/7nTtEiLDD9ciCzHW6)
2. One-page essay describing personal and career goals
3. Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a STEM faculty member - college or high school as appropriate)
4. Academic documentation including:
   • Math/Verbal SAT/ACT scores
   • Overall GPA (unweighted)
   • Science GPA (unweighted)
   • Academic honors and awards
   • Advanced courses completed
5. Interview with S-STEM scholarship committee

Scholarship Requirements:

• Maintain appropriate progress each semester toward degree requirements for the major
• Meet financial need criteria
• Active enrollment and good academic standing