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Deadline approaches for STEM scholarships of up to $5,000 a year

February 18, 2019

It’s a scholarship opportunity that almost sounds too good to be true, but this is the real deal for high achieving, low-income NIU students who will be juniors this coming fall and are majoring in one of six STEM fields within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

NIU is encouraging those students to apply for scholarships through NIU’s BELONG in STEM Scholars Program. Selected students will receive scholarships of up to $5,000 each academic year for as many as three years. While the program targets NIU juniors, students who will be seniors next fall will be considered as well.

The deadline for current NIU students to apply is Friday, March 15. The deadline for transfer students to apply has been extended to Friday, April 12. To learn more and apply, visit the scholarship program website.

Close up of examining of test sample under the microscope in laboratory.

Six scholarships will be awarded to current NIU students, and another six scholarships will be awarded to students transferring into the university. 

In addition to the financial assistance, scholarship recipients will participate in peer mentoring, research and internship opportunities, and career development and networking activities.

“This scholarship program will not only advance the academic endeavors of the BELONG in STEM Scholars but also help them launch their careers,” said Ralph Wheeler, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “We don’t want any eligible students to miss out on such a terrific opportunity.” 

Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, have a preferred minimum GPA of 3.00, provide outstanding letters of recommendation, submit a strong personal statement and be able to show a demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA. 

The scholarships are open to students majoring in:    

  • Mathematics.
  • Chemistry or biochemistry.
  • Physics.
  • Computer science.
  • Biological sciences.
  • Geology and environmental geosciences.

The National Science Foundation S-STEM program awarded NIU last fall with a $1 million grant to offer the scholarships. Students who won’t yet have junior-level status by next fall should keep this opportunity in mind for the future. NIU intends to award nearly 50 BELONG scholarships over a five-year period.

Still have questions? Visit the BELONG in STEM Scholars Program website or email CLASS-STEM@niu.edu for more information.