The STEM Student Success Scholarship, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, is a scholarship program to recruit and retain students with financial need who are pursuing STEM programs in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer & Information Science, Computer & Information Technology and Engineering. The scholarship includes monetary awards to help pay for college related expenses, the support of a STEM Student Success Coach, access to paid internship opportunities, and mentoring. Award amounts are dependent on the level of student financial need, up to $8,000 per year.
Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for the STEM Student Success Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have financial need, shown by having the FAFSA completed for the next school year
- Be a US Citizen, US National, US Permanent Resident, or Admitted Refugee
- Enroll at least part-time (6 credit hours) in a degree program or transfer curriculum
in one of the following STEM fields:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Math
- Computer and Information Science (CIS)
- Computer and Information Technology (CIT)
- Engineering
- Demonstrate academic ability with a GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Freshmen applicants should submit unofficial high school transcripts, and current COD students should submit unofficial college transcripts.
Health Science majors are not eligible for the STEM Scholarship.
How to Apply
- Complete the general scholarship application. Then complete the STEM Scholarship application when it appears in your scholarship portal. The STEM Scholarship application for spring 2025 will be available through Nov. 1.
- Complete the FAFSA form for the awarding year (get assistance from COD staff if needed).
- All documents must be submitted before the Nov. 1 deadline.
Recipient Obligations
In order to remain in good standing and renew the scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Continue to meet the basic eligibility criteria listed above
- Keep a GPA average of at least 2.75
- Continue to meet federal financial aid standards
- Meet with the STEM Student Success Coach regularly
- Participate in program events
- Complete periodic program evaluations (may be surveys or interviews)
Receive More Information About the Success Scholarship
Specific support systems are in place to ensure the success of students in this program. These support systems include:
- STEM Student Success Coach – this person is the first line of support for students. The STEM Student Success Coach will work one on one with students on a regular basis to create strong connections between the student and the college, to monitor student academic progress, to create a sense of accountability, and to identify educational and professional opportunities based on student interests.
- Faculty Mentors – each student will be paired with a faculty mentor, providing an open door for students to discuss career plans, ask questions, share experiences, and provide a personal connection to help students through difficult academic and life pressures.
- Financial Awards – the amount of the scholarship is based on the student’s level of need and the amount of other financial support already in place, such as federal financial aid. The awards are given on top of financial aid to help students cover all related expenses of attending college, not to exceed unmet need or $10,000 per year.
- Internships and Job Shadowing – a limited number of paid internships as well as job shadowing opportunities will be available through the program and Career Services.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in Science and Engineering occupations will grow by 18.7% between 2010-2020, compared to just 14.3% growth for all occupations.
The Science and Engineering workforce has shown sustained growth for more than half a century, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3% compared to 1.5% for the total workforce.
STEM related jobs were more resilient during and after the 2007-2009 recession compared to overall employment.*
Engineering has the highest median earnings, yet less than 20% of students choose a STEM career path.^
In 2012, the median earnings for workers in STEM occupations (regardless of education level or field) were $78,270, which is more than double the median ($34,750) for all U.S. workers.*
COD Stories
"A big part of succeeding in the future depends on how well you can make friends and learning what you can from the people around you to elevate yourself." - Mohammed Khalidi
Mohammed's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD provided not only rigorous STEM courses that laid the foundation for my higher-level physics and math courses, but also gave me resources to build the skill sets needed for my career in STEM." - Kaela Villafania
Kaela's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The STEM scholarship program awarded me the chance to meet my fellow STEM scholars, an opportunity that was very valuable due to the virtual learning setting because of COVID-19." - Soka Suliman
Soka's COD StoryCOD Stories
“Susan Fenwick, my STEM coach, provided huge support for me through my time at COD. This scholarship program also provided faculty mentors who offered great advice about career plans and personal connections.” - Johnny Tran
Johnny's COD StoryCOD Stories
"Set realistic goals and pursue them. Use COD as a knowledge resource and make lifelong friends." - Jay Avitia
Jay's COD StoryThe S-STEM Student Success Scholarship Program is supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Number 2221097.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Contact Information
Susan Fenwick
STEM Student Success Coach
(630) 942-4226
Email: fenwicks@cod.edu