About the Program
The NSF STEM Scholarship Program
at HCC is a system program. Students
taking classes at any of the HCC
campuses participated in this program
from 2009-2013.
The support for this program came from a grant
that was awarded by the National Science Foundation.
*Current NSF grant ends on May 31, 2013.
HCC is in the process of re-applying for the grant.
As of right now, no scholarships are available till
further notice.
Why be a NSF Scholar?
The goal of the NSF Scholarship Program is increase student
enrollment in STEM fields and prepare them to complete
baccalaureate degree program and go for a career in STEM fields.
Being a STEM Scholar is both an honor and responsibility.
NSF Scholarship Program is a small community of selected
students, faculty advisors and staff members.
As a NSF Scholar,
- You will be among a cohort of students recognized for
excellence in academic course work and possess the
ambition to pursue a bachelor\'s or a challenging career
in STEM area.
- You will receive a scholarship that will pay for your
education up to two years at HCC contingent on NSF
fund availability and your continued eligibility.
*Current NSF grant has been extended through May 31, 2013.
Applications are currently accepted for spring semester, 2013.
Reviewing of applications will take place on December 4th, 2012.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in a series
of STEM and academic workshops designed to reinforce
the education you receive in the classroom.
- You may have internship opportunities with local companies
related to your chosen major and enhanced transfer
opportunities to other STEM universities and colleges.
- You will have a personal faculty advisor to guide you
through your educational career.
- You will have an assigned counselor or advisor to help you
with the registration process.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for the NSF Scholarship Program, you must
Application/Deadlines
The scholarship provides financial support to in-district and
out-of-district students for up to two years (fall, spring and
summer semesters) of full-time enrollment at HCC.
Awards are made on semester basis. Continuation of the
award is contingent on meeting the eligibility and program
requirements, and continued funding from NSF.
*Current NSF grant has been extended till May 2013.
Application for Spring Semester will be reviewed
on December 4th, 2012.
Download Application
Deadlines:
Students are encouraged to submit their completed application
anytime during the year. Please note that the application
package received before the review date will be given priority
for the scholarship award. The committee will continue to
review applications after that date until all slots are filled.
Application review will be done on:
- Spring Scholarship: December 4th, 2012
Application requirements:
To be considered for the NSF Scholarship Program,
- You must be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident or
Alien admitted as a refugee under Section 207.
- You must be a full-time student at HCC.
- You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply.
This GPA does not guarantee the award but
includes you name in the eligible pool of applicants.
- You must major in one of the STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.
This does not include nursing or other allied health
careers.
- You must plan to transfer to a four-year college or
university after you complete the two year degree
program at HCC.
- You must download and complete the application form.
- You must submit two letters of recommendations
attesting your academic credentials or career goals.
Both the letters must be from science, technology,
engineering, or math instructors OR one from a
STEM instructor and one from an employment
supervisor in STEM area. Provide each instructor
with one of the recommendation instruction sheets
provided in the application package. Recommendation
letters must be submitted with application package.
- For current HCC students, you must attach your
degree plan completed by your HCC counselor.
- You must attach a current copy of your transcript
(official or unofficial).
- You must make sure that your records are updated and
current in HCC system.
- To show Financial Need, you must complete the FAFSA
form, provide a Financial Aid Award Letter with EFC
number which can be printed from your on-line Student
Center.
- You must send your application form and all required
attachments to:
ATTN: Lilian Baldwin, Counselor
Houston Community College
- Spring Branch Campus (Northwest College)
1010 W. Sam Houston Parkway N.
Houston, Texas 77043
After your application is received, NSF Staff will pre-screen
all applications to confirm your GPA, permanent residency
/citizenship, STEM major, full-time status at HCC and EFC
number as posted on HCC system.
You are responsible to make sure that your information on
HCC system is updated and current.
The Implementation Team will rank your application to make
the final selection.
Depending upon the number of slots available, students will be
selected for the awards and informed by the NSF Staff via
HCC email. You must respond immediately to accept the
award.
You will then be required to meet with the Program Directors
for a short orientation. The orientation is designed to inform
you of the program requirements and sign an agreement form.
Others, not awarded, will also be informed through HCC email.
If you want to be reconsidered for the following semester, you
must email to lilian.baldwin@hccs.edu.
You application will then be added to the new pool of applicants
and screened for the following semester awards.
Events and Internships
Events are organized for the NSF Scholars to
encourage communication, education and success
at the college.
The NSF Scholars are required to attend at least
one event per semester.
Scholars are informed of these events "virtually"through
Eagle Online - a Learning Management System used at HCC.
Below are some samples of the events and internships.
Following annual banquets are hosted to recognize and
award NSF STEM Certificate to NSF Scholars for
their academic record and achievements:
April 5, 2013 - NSF - STEM Banquet
April 20, 2012 - NSF - STEM Banquet
March 31, 2011 - NSF - STEM Banquet
February 18, 2010 - NSF - STEM Banquet
Internships:
UST-HCC STEM Undergraduate Research Opportunity
Rice Nanotechnology Summer Internship
US Department of Energy - Community College Summer Internships
Texas State University Research Experience
Summer Medical and Dental Education Internship
Seminars and Symposia:
SE STEM Symposium, April 12, 2013
Star Gazing Events at SW College, Spring Semester
Texas A&M Corpus Christi STEM Program, April 19, 2013
UT Tyler Engineering Presentation, April 24-25, 2013
HCC Chancellor\'s Symposium on Engineering, Sept. 29, 2012
HCC Chancellor\'s Symposium on Health Care Sciences, April 1, 2011
HCC Chancellor\'s Symposium on Energy, October 6, 2009
HCC Chancellor\'s Symposium on Life Sciences, October 14, 2008
Project Outcomes Report
The NSF Scholarship Program represents HCC’s
commitment to address the growing demands
and feared labor shortages in STEM fields.
The program resulted in an 80 percent graduation
rate for participating students, provided
opportunities to fuel students’ interests and
improve academic performance, and prepared
them for careers and advanced education in
STEM-related fields.
Click here for a Full NSF Project Outcomes Report.
