Thank you for your interest in the San Jose State University Scholars in Science (S3) Program funded by the National Science Foundation, an agency of the Federal Government. The goal of the Scholars in Science Program is to create a community of talented students that is supportive of each other and has access to mentoring support so that they continue to careers as scientists or science teachers. 

Requirements

Students interested in applying need to satisfy ALL the requirements below to be considered.

  •  Be full-time SJSU undergraduate with a declared major in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology or Physics/Astronomy
  •  Have a demonstrated financial need as documented by Financial Aid.
  •  Be a US Citizen or legal resident.
  •  Have a cumulative, all college, GPA of 2.80 or higher.
  •  Successfully completed the first semester of general chemistry and at least one college math course, pre-calculus or higher.
  •  An interest in an advanced graduate degree in science (MS or PhD), teaching credential in science or career in private or public sector as a scientist.
  •  Course work reflects progression in the major.
  •  Agreement to maintain the Program Director informed on career paths after graduation and be an active participant in S3 group activities.

Once students are selected as S3 Scholars they must satisfy the following requirements to remain in the program.

  • Maintain a 2.8 or higher GPA
  •  Continue to progress in their science major
  •  Continue to have an interest in an advanced degree in science, teaching credential or career as a scientist.
  •  Continue to qualify for financial aid
  •  Be an active participant in the S3 Program by enrolling in Academic Excellence Workshops, attending the Fall Graduate School Preparation Seminar, by attending the S3 meetings and/or by participating in S3 activities as scheduled.
  •  Continue to interact with the Program Director and their mentor

Note: Not satisfying one or more of the items above can result on the student being placed on program probation or removed from the program.

What are the benefits of the program? 

Scholars in Science will:

  • Receive as much as $10,000 a year, depending on their financial need, for as much as four years, until they graduate or until the grant ends.
  •  Have access to mentoring support from the Program Director, Dr. Karen Singmaster; the Associate Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Maureen Scharberg; and a mentor in their major
  •  Receive a paid membership to a professional scientific society relevant to the student’s major with journal subscription.

The S3 group as a whole will have access to a small amount of funds to organize and carry out team building activities such as inviting speakers or going on outings.

Application

The application form can be printed from this website or picked up from Dr. Singmaster in Duncan Hall 16.  The completed application should be turned in to Dr. Singmaster in DH 16 or in her mailbox in the Chemistry Department (DH518). It can also be mailed back to her at Dr. Singmaster, Department of Chemistry, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA  95192-0101.   Applications are accepted year round although student selection occurs in late May and early December.

 Aside from the completed application a student needs to provide:

A) Two letters of recommendation—typically from math or science faculty.  The application has the    forms to give to the faculty.

B) Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended

C) A copy of the two screens from MySJSU for financial aid, the one titled “Award Summary” and the one titled “Financial Aid Summary”

   Please note that the current grant expires in May 2013.  A request for four more years of funding in being submitted.  We should know by April 2013 if the program will able to continue.

Management of Award

Awards are split into two equal portions, one for each semester.  Students need to register for courses.  Check will be provided two weeks after the last day to drop.  The funds provided by the S3 award are scholarship awards based on student merit and as such do not need to be paid back like loans. They are deducted from a student’s total aid package.  For example, a student has an estimated need of $15,000 a year and receives grants and loans would qualify for the full $10,000 but might elect to take less to just to displace loans and to cover unmet need.  The exact amount to be provided is determined by the Program Director. 

If you need additional information about the S3 Program visit Dr. Karen Singmaster in DH16 or send her an email at Karen.Singmaster@sjsu.edu