Program for Attracting and Retaining Scholars in Computer and Mathematical Sciences

An NSF sponsored S-STEM Scholarship Program at Appalachian State University

The main purpose of the program is to attract students to major in computer science or applied mathematics and to help them succeed in these majors. Our recent S-STEM grant provides a limited number of scholarships to the Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Biology majors to work with the Computer Science and Math scholars on interdisciplinary problems. The scholarship provides up to 8 semesters of funding, including up to 4 semesters of graduate study at Appalachian. The program provides a nurturing atmosphere that encourages excellence and builds collaborations between students, faculty, and the community.

Applications for open scholarship positions are accepted at any time. Students are evaluated on a first-come first-served basis. Entering freshmen may be invited to campus for an interview. On campus students are interviewed by the program directors.

Our first S-STEM program was funded in 2005. Since the establishment of the program, students have entered the program on a continuous basis. The program is funded through the year 2011.

For questions regarding the S-STEM Scholarship, please Contact Us.

Requirements

Students must demonstrate financial need for study at ASU and must be United States citizens, nationals, refugee aliens, or permanent residents at the time of application as per NSF guidelines. In addition, qualifying students must fall into one of two categories and satisfy the accompanying requirements:

Lower Level

• Student must be an entering Freshman or a full-time student in the first two years of the major.
• Student must plan to major in Applied Mathematics and/or Computer Science.
• Starting Fall 2008, a limited number of scholarships are available to the Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Biology majors. (A student must maintain this pursuit in order to retain the scholarship.)
• Entering freshmen must have a high school grade point average of 3.0/4.0 and lower level undergraduate applicants must have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.6/4.0.
• Students must have an SAT score of 1050 or a math score of 600.

Upper Level

• Student must be a full-time student and within 60 hours of graduation.
• Student must be a Computer Science and/or Applied Mathematics major.
• Computer Science majors must have taken:
  • The Introductory Programming sequence
  • Computer Theory
  • Assembly Language
• Mathematics/Statistics majors must have taken:
  • Introductory calculus sequence (I,II,III)
  • Linear Algebra
• Student must have and maintain a grade point average of 2.6.
• Student must agree to attend graduate school at ASU

To Apply

Incoming Freshmen, Transfer, or Graduate Student

Step 1.Complete this student information form so that the S-STEM office will be prepared for your application package. You will be asked to print this completed form and attach it to the application package below.

Step 2.The following list of application materials should be completed:

• Financial Aid Release Form in html format, PDF format, or MS Word
• Cover letter
• Essay of 500-1500 words discussing your career goals
• Two sealed letters of recommendations
• Official high school transcripts (freshmen)
• Official SAT scores, unless they appear on a transcript (freshmen)
• All official college and university transcripts (transfer students)
• Other indicators which you feel should be included (contests, presentations, community service, etc.)

The completed application materials should be enclosed in a single envelope if possible and mailed to:

S-STEM Scholarship Program
c/o Dr. Rahman Tashakkori
Department of Computer Science, CAP 121
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608

Current Freshmen, Juniors, and Seniors Planning to attend Graduate School, Graduate Students

Submit the S-STEM Financial Release Form.

This will grant the Financial Aid Office permission to check your financial eligibility. You will then be notified by email of your eligibility and whether there are additional application materials needed.

Award Notifications

Incoming freshmen, transfer and graduate students will be notified via e-mail immediately after the review of their applications.

Current students will be notified via email immediately after review of their financial elibility. The students will be told at that time if additional application materials are needed.