Barry University Engaged STEM Scholars

Engaged STEM Scholars GrantFAQs

• What is the selection process for the Engaged STEM Scholars grant?

  1. The application deadline is March 19, 2021 11:59 PM. The Scholarship Committee will consider all applications and choose 12-15 of the most promising applicants.
  2. Based on SAT or ACT scores, we will also evaluate each applicant’s preparedness for college-level math and English. Your scores may indicate that:
     
     
     1. You are ready for these courses right away. In that case, you will automatically qualify for consideration by our Scholarship Committee.
     2. For most students, our Summer Scholars Program will be the gateway to the scholarship. A high percentage of our successful STEM graduates have needed at least one developmental math or English course at the beginning of their studies at Barry, based on SAT scores. Rather than allow this to slow down your progress toward graduation and increase your costs by stretching your completion time to five years, we are offering these courses during a Summer Scholars Program June 28-August 6, 2021. Students needing developmental courses can take them before the Fall 2021 semester begins and show their commitment to becoming Engaged STEM Scholars. For these students, your award will depend on successful completion of the Summer Scholars Program’s activities and courses.
  3. By April 15, 2021, our first round of letters will be sent to awardees, outlining the amount of their financial aid package, their Engaged STEM Scholar award, and whether or not they are required to complete the Summer Scholars Program to receive the award. Awardees must accept by May 1, 2021. If all awards are not accepted, more applicants will be sent award letters.

• What is a Summer Scholars Program?

  It is a six-week experience taking place in the summer before you enter your first year of college. It’s designed to introduce you to other aspiring STEM major students, help you with your transition to college, show you what great careers are waiting for you after graduation, and give you a head start on the first math and English courses you’ll need.

• How do I enroll in the Engaged STEM Scholars Summer Scholars Program?

  If you meet all the requirements for the Engaged STEM Scholars grant, and SAT scores indicate you need to take developmental math or English, you will be offered the opportunity to enroll in the Summer Scholars Program.

• What if I don’t qualify for the Engaged STEM Scholars grant, but still want to enroll in the Summer Scholars Program?

  That’s a great idea, because it allows you to get a head start on your degree and university transition. Seats in the Summer Scholars Program will be reserved for students eligible to become Engaged STEM Scholars, but a few extra seats will be available for other admitted Barry students. Admissions will make you aware of how to take part in the Summer Scholars Program after you complete the admissions process.

• What is the cost of the Summer Scholars Program?

  The cost is $300 for six weeks (fee waivers are available). This includes enrolment in up to one math (3 credits), one English (3 credits), and one reading course (1 credit, as required), all books and course materials, and free tutoring and contact with peer mentors already studying STEM at Barry. On Fridays, the program will include university transition skills, setting goals, collaborative science projects, and team-building activities with a faculty member.

• Will I live in Barry University dorms during the Summer Scholars Program?

  No. In order to keep costs down, students in the Summer Scholars Program will only be on campus throughout the day. Therefore, students must have their own local living arrangements and transportation.

• What if I complete part of the Summer Scholars Program, but don’t pass all my courses or participate in all activities?

  In this case, you won’t be eligible for the Engaged STEM Scholars grant.

• How much will the Engaged STEM Scholars grant pay? Will it cover the full cost of attending Barry?

  The grant covers up to $10,000 per year of university expenses. For many students, this plus the federal and state financial aid you are eligible for will cover the full cost of attendance at Barry. Financial aid counselors will work with you to determine how much aid you are eligible for (financial aid is free money for attending college, it’s not a loan that will need to be paid back later). The goal is that students receiving these grants will not need to take out loans or work during college, so that they can focus fully on their studies.

• What do I have to do to keep the grant for all four years?

  Engaged STEM Scholars must maintain a 3.0 CGPA, demonstrate ongoing financial need, participate in learning community activities and meetings with their faculty mentor, remain on track to graduate in four years, and apply for at least three summer research or internship positions each year (if successful they are encouraged, but not required, to accept them).