The National Science Foundation recently awarded Willamette University a nearly $1.5 million grant to help support academically talented, underrepresented students with financial need.
The award supports three cohorts of students who participate in the university’s STEM Fellows Program — a series of academic, community-building and co-curricular support activities that equip them to succeed as future scholars and leaders — from December 2022 to November 2028.
In addition to the built-in support, participants are eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $10,000, on top of other financial aid from Willamette. They’re also given a personalized plan for career goals, strong mentoring and the development of leadership skills through campus activities, as well as access to funding for summer internships or research experiences, on or off campus.
Students who pursue a major in a STEM field, can demonstrate financial need and have a strong academic record are eligible to be fellows. Students from low-income households, students who are from rural areas, first-generation college students, neurodivergent students, students of color, women or gender minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
The initiative will be led by Professor of Chemistry Alison Fisher, Professor of Physics Michaela Kleinert, Associate Professor of Physics Daniel Borrero and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Cooper Battle.
This is the second time Willamette has received funding of this kind from the NSF’s Division of Undergraduate Education. In 2017, the university received nearly $650,000.