NSF S-STEM - Mentored Pathways from Community College to Graduate School and Chemistry Careers

Southwestern College (SWC) is offering scholarships to academically talented, financially burdened students who intend to transfer to a 4-year university as a chemistry/biochemistry major. This program will provide a unique opportunity for qualified students to focus full-time on their studies and fully benefit from a support system provided through SWC and San Diego State University (SDSU). Our program aims to increase student success by providing financial support, mentoring, opportunities for undergraduate research experiences, and Chemistry-related student club activities. Students will develop leadership in the chemical sciences, attend chemistry seminars, obtain summer research opportunities, join in field trips to industry, and many other activities in partnership with SDSU.

Application Process and Criteria:
● All applicants submit copies of their transcripts, a brief (under 500 words) personal statement, and provide the name and contact information (email) for 1 (one) academic and/or professional recommendation.
● Selection criteria include:
○ Students are enrolled as STEM (non-Allied Health) majors or a related STEM field contact dhecht@swccd.edu for more info.
○ Enrolled 6 units or more at SWC
■ Students enrolled in less than 6 units will receive the award once enrolled in 6 units or more
○ Either currently enrolled or successful completion of Chem 170
■ Students currently enrolled in Chem 170 must successfully complete the class with a “C” or better
○ Suggested grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher
■ Students with a lower GPA are strongly encouraged to apply and describe the barriers they have encountered in the personal statement
○ A valid FAFSA for current academic year
■ Scholarship funds will be determined by financial need based on the FAFSA and as defined by the US Department of Education rules for need-based Federal financial aid.
■ Eligible students who have not demonstrated financial need as defined above will not receive scholarships but will be invited to participate in other program activities.

Award
up to $5000
Deadline
09/30/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Have you completed Chemistry 170 or currently enrolled in Chemistry 170?
  2. Please list your major.
  3. Please select your Class level:
  4. Please upload your unofficial transcripts
  5. Please upload a second academic transcript if you attended another institution
  6. Do you plan to transfer to a 4-yr Institution/University once you graduate from Southwestern College?
  7. Are you planning on/interested in transferring to SDSU?
  8. Do you plan to go to graduate school?
  9. What is your career goal? What job/profession do you hope to have when you complete your education.
  10. STEM experience
    • Have you ever had/currently have a STEM related internship and/or job?
    • If yes for internship, was it for pay or a volunteer position?
    • If yes, please describe, including the name and dates of the internship/job.
  11. Work Situation
    • Do you currently have a job?
    • If so, how many hours a week do you work?
  12. Caretaker situation
    • Are you a caretaker for someone?
    • If so, how many hours a week do you spend taking care of them?
  13. Please write a personal statement (do not include your name) in an essay format to include the following information: a. What is your major(s)? Why did you select this major? b. What are your educational objectives? c. What are your transfer plans? d. What are some of the career goals you have? How is this program going to help you achieve your educational and career goals? e. Please tell us about some of your: 1. Campus, family, and community activities/commitments; 2. Honors/Awards you have received; 3. Obstacles/financial hardships you have endured in your pursuit of your education; 4. Any additional information that you would like the selection committee to know about you.
  14. Please enter your date of birth
  15. Please provide a name and email address for an academic and/or professional recommendation.
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