Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) Natural Science Transfer Scholars

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Michigan State University a grant to provide scholarships to academically talented students with demonstrated financial need who transfer from a Michigan community college and plan to pursue a major in the College of Natural Science. Scholarship recipients may receive scholarship funding for two years, totaling $17,000, in addition to academic and social support through membership in the Charles Drew Science Scholars program, and funded research internships with College of Natural Science faculty.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Must be admitted to Michigan State University (you may apply prior to admittance, but cannot be awarded a scholarship until admission to MSU is complete)
  2. Must be a citizen of the United States, National of the United States (as defined in Section 101 (a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugee under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence at the time your application is submitted
  3. Must identify a major offered in the College of Natural Science (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental geoscience, geological science, mathematics, or physics) as your major
  4. Must demonstrate academic potential or ability
  5. Must enroll as a full-time student with between 50-60 transfer credits (at or near junior status)
  6. Must complete and submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Students from underrepresented minority populations (African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian/Native American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Native Pacific Islander) are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedures

All applicants will be contacted via email acknowledging receipt.

Those who are considered a "finalist" may be contacted to arrange an interview, before final selections are made.

To complete the S-STEM Scholars application you will also need the following:

  • Three letters of recommendation: two must be from college faculty members, with at least one from a science or math faculty; and one letter from a counselor/advisor, and/or mentor.

Download Recommendation Form  Word document

Completed forms can be

Emailed to: 
the S-STEM Natural Science Scholars Steering Committee at 
NatSci.S-STEM@msu.edu

OR
Mailed to:
S-STEM Natural Science Scholars
Charles Drew Science Scholars
995 North Brody Road
Rather Hall, Room C202
East Lansing, MI 48825
  • Submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa.
  • Write and submit three short responses in PDF format (approximately 200-words each) to the following questions:
    1. Explain how your interest in your STEM field or major developed and describe your future career goals.
    2. Describe a personal or academic hurdle you have faced and what steps you took to overcome it.
    3. Describe your personal and academic strengths as well as an area in which you feel could improve.
  • Have an official transcript from community college sent to: 

    S-STEM Natural Science Scholars
    Charles Drew Science Scholars
    995 North Brody Road
    Rather Hall, Room C202
    East Lansing, MI 48825