“Full Scholarships. Full Support” is the unofficial slogan for the SCC Science Scholars program that starts this year.

Supported through a five-year grant from the National Science Foundation, the program’s goal is to increase how many students graduate with STEM transfer degrees.  

Jaye Hopkins, the principle investigator for the program and a chemistry professor at SCC, talked about what it will look like each year.

“We’re going to accept 12 students… for three years,” she said.

They are accepting applications from anyone pursuing a two-year STEM transfer degree at SCC. This includes having a focus on biology, chemistry, and related fields.

“It’s a well-rounded search,” Hopkins said.

Those accepted to the program will be involved in a wrap-around program. It will not only help students pay for college; a flyer for the program listed opportunities for students in the program to “receive extensive mentoring, academic support, and opportunities for field experiences and undergraduate research.”

Methea Sapp, a biology professor at SCC, encourages students to tell friends and family about the program. Anyone interested in a STEM degree and will be starting college in the next couple years especially.

Hopkins, Sapp, and Andy Buddington, a geologist professor, are the team overseeing the program.   

The criteria for the program are:

• Completing the application including a personal statement.
• Have an incoming GPA for science classes of at least 3.0.
• Have two professional recommendations.
• Experience related to scientific pursuits. This could be volunteer, professional, or extracurricular.
• Have financial need verified through a completed FAFSA or Financial Aid Award letter.
• Must be a citizen of the United States, national of the United States, alien admitted as refugee, or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

Interested in applying? Here’s the application checklist:

• Fill out the application form. You can find it on the program’s page.
• Write a personal statement to complete the application form. See the application form for more details.
• Complete the FAFSA.
• Transcripts from any schools attended in the last four years. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted but official transcripts are needed for admission.
• Two professional recommendations. One must be from a science educator that knows you as a student and can speak about your academic abilities. The form for these is located in the program’s page.

Students who complete the application before March 1 will be given priority.

For students who are offered entrance to the SCC Science Scholars program, there are requirements to meet. These include applying and being accepted to SCC, applying and qualifying for financial aid, and signing an agreement recognizing the need to remain in good standing with the program. For further explanation and a complete list, visit their page.

Want to learn more about the SCC Science Scholars program? Go to the SCC homepage (http://scc.spokane.edu/) and search “Science Scholars.”  

Specific questions can be sent to ScienceScholars@scc.spokane.edu.