S-STEM Scholars Program in Mathematics & Statistics

A hand holds a piece of white chalk up to a black board

The S-STEM Scholars Program in Mathematics and Statistics at UMass Amherst will provide three year scholarships to selected eligible students majoring in mathematics at UMass Amherst, from the start of their junior year through completion of a master's degree in Statistics or Applied Mathematics in one additional year. The program began in Fall 2023. It is made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation's Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program.

Components of the Program

Selected eligible students will receive:

Scholarships of up to $10,000 of unmet need per year during students' final two years of undergraduate study

  • Funded summer applied mathematics or statistics research opportunities at UMass Amherst after their junior and senior years, with $4,000 stipends per summer
  • Priority consideration for admission to the Master's Degree Program in Applied Mathematics or Master's Degree Program in Statistics at UMass Amherst.
  • If admitted to either master's degree program:
    • Waivers for tuition and fees during a single post-graduate year
    • A part-time ten-hour per week teaching assistantship during both fall and spring semesters of a single post-graduate year
    • A scholarship of $10,000 towards the remaining cost of attendance after waivers and teaching assistantship during a single post-graduate year
  • Priority enrollment in designated S-STEM scholar sections of required courses, with will be accompanied by additional facilitated study groups.
  • The opportunity to participate in a one-credit seminar to learn leadership skills and apply them by leading study groups for required courses, and the ability to count up to three such credits towards the completion of undergraduate or graduate elective requirements.
  • The opportunity to participate in a one-credit year-round weekly S-STEM seminars focused on strategies for academic success and career preparation which will include collaborations with guest speakers and industry partners.
  • Two assigned faculty mentors.
  • Priority registration for intermittent career preparation workshops, on topics such as preparing a resume or CV for industry or graduate school, publishing undergraduate research, presenting at conferences, and applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
  • Priority registration for an annual conference, where students can showcase their achievements and celebrate their progress.
  • The opportunity to apply for additional financial support, including funds to support conference travel, professional association memberships, support summer course enrollment through University without Walls, and private one-on-one tutoring.

Eligibility

At the time of application, eligible students must:

  • Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident as described in the S-STEM Program Solicitation
  • Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) between $-1,500 and $8,500 according to their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Have declared a Mathematics Major

Applications will be prioritized for students who:

  • Are rising juniors or incoming transfer students
  • Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0
  • Have completed or be enrolled in the following courses or equivalents:
    • MATH 131-132
    • MATH 233
    • MATH 235
    • CICS 110/COMPSCI 121
    • MATH 300/COMPSCI 250
    • STATISTC 315/515

Applying

Interested undergraduate students can apply by submitting an application made up of:

  • A personal statement
  • An unofficial transcript
  • The names and contact information of at least two faculty who have agreed to serve as references

Applications can be submitted using this Google Form.

For guaranteed consideration to become an S-STEM Scholar starting in Fall 2024, applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024.

Review of applications to become an S-STEM Scholar starting in Fall 2024 will begin June 1 and will continue until all spots are filled.

Information about becoming an S-STEM Scholar starting in Fall 2025 will be posted here in mid-Spring 2024.

Information Sessions

Details about upcoming information sessions will be posted here as they are scheduled.

Questions

Please direct questions to Maryclare Griffin.