DALLAS, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Minority undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) subjects are among those urged to apply for a scholarship program that could pay up to half of their annual college tuition, engage them in a paid internship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and provide additional networking and professional development opportunities. The application deadline for the Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology Program (MUST) scholarships is Feb. 2, 2009, and the detailed application can now be accessed online at www.nasa.gov/education/must.
The program is made possible by the MUST Consortium, a partnership between NASA, the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) and the United Negro College Fund Special Programs (UNCFSP). The MUST program offers:
– A one-year competitive scholarship covering up to half of tuition and fees, not to exceed $10,000, per academic year. The scholarship is renewable through the student’s junior year provided that all eligibility criteria continue to be met.
– Support from MUST Professional and Academic Support System (PASS) providing scholars with an online student community and professional development/leadership training.
– A $6,000 stipend to participate in a 10-week summer NASA internship program, plus a transportation and location allowance not to exceed $1,000.
– Invaluable resources, insight, and experience from the MUST Consortium to further STEM education and career aspirations
Open to all students, MUST scholarships will go to qualifying students interested in pursuing careers in STEM disciplines. Applicants must be rising college freshmen, sophomores or juniors; be U.S. citizens and reside in the United States or a U.S. Territory; have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline aligned with NASA’s core competencies; and be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2009-2010 school year. The MUST program is particularly focused on engaging students from underserved and underrepresented groups including women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and persons with disabilities.
One hundred students were awarded MUST scholarships in 2008-09.
About HCF
The Hispanic College Fund (HCF) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Hispanic professionals in America. The goal of the organization is to help every deserving Latino student realize his or her dream of a college education and a successful professional career. Since its founding in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund has supported the education of more than 3,000 low-income Hispanic students seeking careers in business, science, engineering and technology with over $8 million in grants. Through programs like the Scholarship Program, Hispanic Youth Symposia, Latinos on the Fast Track (LOFT), Connections and the HYP Leadership & Development Program, HCF is enriching lives and building bridges for our future Hispanic leaders. Visit www.hispanicfund.org.
About SHPE
SHPE, Inc. is the source for quality Hispanic engineers and technical talent, committed to enhancing America’s position in math, science, engineering and technology with a strong and talented Hispanic workforce. SHPE provides its membership of students and professionals with increased educational opportunities, professional and personal growth, and involvement in the community. Its education foundation, Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (AHETEMS), is the source for Hispanic students’ education from kindergarten to doctorate programs in science, technology, engineering and math. Visit www.shpe.org or www.ahetems.org.
About UNCFSP
With a portfolio of more than $90 million in federal programs, the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation’s (UNCFSP) mission is to “organize and deliver educational support services” to institutions of higher education. Federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Library of Medicine, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Departments of Education, Defense, Energy and Interior have funded programs that are spread on four continents and in more than 37 countries. Through its programs, UNCFSP has awarded more than $32.5 million to hundreds of national and international institutions of higher education for the purposes of education and research development, workforce development, capacity building, technical assistance, fellowships, internships, training and mentoring. Visit www.uncfsp.org.
SOURCE SPHE, Inc.
