Northern Arizona University’s Yuma branch campus has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to help incoming science students at NAU-Yuma.
The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics grant will provide scholarships to two cohorts of 15 to 25 students. Scholarship recipients can receive financial aid worth up to $10,000 a year for two years.
The grant was written and submitted by NAU-Yuma science faculty member Tim Whittier and Mary Shaal, director for Research and Grants at Arizona Western College.
“The work that led to the receipt of this grant is a clear indication of the commitment of the Yuma branch campus faculty to the success of our students,” said Larry Gould, NAU-Yuma executive officer.
NAU-Yuma competed against 220 applicants nationwide to be one of 87 award recipients. Arizona Western College, NAU-Yuma’s partnering community college, also received a $600,000 STEM grant.
Students will be selected for scholarships through a competitive application process. Eligible students include incoming juniors who have declared a major in biology or environmental science and demonstrate academic talent and financial need. Applications will be available March 15 through May 1.
In addition to financial assistance, the grant money will provide students with opportunities to participate in science conferences, research-related field trips, scientific meetings and internships. A portion of the grant money will also be used to hire academic coaches who will serve as tutors to assist STEM scholars with selected courses.
For information, contact Whittier at Tim.Whittier@nau.edu or visit nau.edu/yuma.