The new UC Merced Bobcat STEM Scholars Program, funded by a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), will provide four years of scholarship support for up to 10 eligible incoming students per year who declare majors within the university’s School of Natural Sciences (SNS).
Among those who made this new program possible were Physics Professor Brian Utter, teaching professors Michelle Leslie, Yue Lei and Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education and Teaching Professor Sarah Frey.
Prof. Brian Utter and Physics senior Zachary Mauri were interviewed by the media outlet ABC news who covered this exciting development on our campus!
The goal of the program is to help talented undergraduate students with high financial need prepare for future studies in graduate school and/or STEM careers. The four-year program provides students with $8,000 a year, involvement in a community of scholars through a first-year of Living Learning Community to enhance in-class and out-of-class experiences, Spark Seminars and access to a group of dedicated faculty that will provide mentoring, academic support and guidance in undergraduate research opportunities.
UC Merced is committed to the overall mission of excellence in teaching, research and public service and to carry out this mission, students eligible for this scholarship must:
Be admitted to UC Merced and intend to register
Be Pell-eligible (limited to students with financial needs who have not earned their first bachelor's degree)
Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher
Intend a major in the School of Natural Sciences (applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, environmental science or physics)
The review panel will also focus on building a diverse cohort with representation from across the SNS majors and with demographic diversity representative of the campus population.“ The funding will support the first cohort of students starting in fall 2022.
