The College of Southern Maryland has been awarded a National Science
Foundation grant for a program to recruit 102 academically talented,
financially needy students to enter science, technology, engineering and
math programs at the college. The CSM STEM Scholars Program will use NSF
funds to provide scholarships, support services to increase retention
and assistance to graduates in transitioning to further education or
employment. Electronics technology, environmental technology,
information services technology, biotechnology, mathematics/physical
sciences, computer science and engineering are among the programs
targeted by this grant.

“Today’s jobs are in STEM fields and yet, there aren’t enough
graduates to meet the market’s demand,” said CSM Associate Professor
of Biology Dr. Melanie Osterhouse, who, along with CSM Mathematics
Professor Sandy Poinsett, Engineering Professor Dr. Neal D. Wilsey and
Biology and Physical Sciences Professor Turner Coggins, is a program
administrator. “With this grant, I hope that we will be able to put a
dent in closing the gap between supply and demand,” Osterhouse added.

Scholarship recipients will receive awards of up to $5,000 per academic
year over two academic years for tuition, fees and books. In addition,
students in the program will receive mentorship by field-related
specialists and potential summer employment opportunities in their field
of study. Students will receive individual advising, tutorial support
and other academic resources.

“Built into the program, students will be required to participate in
a learning community each semester that will provide an opportunity for
exchanging ideas and discussing issues pertaining to their current
studies along with planning for the future, whether it be finding a job,
an internship, or transferring to a four-year school,” said Poinsett.
“The scholarship program will provide talented, financially needy,
students who have been juggling work and school, an opportunity to focus
on their courses and increase their likelihood of success. It will also
give students an opportunity to network with each other and
representatives in the professional community.”

The program is funded through 2015.

Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled, with
priority given to those received by May 15.

For information or to apply to the CSM STEM Scholars Program, visit
www.csmd.edu/ISTEM/ and follow the Scholarships link.