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NASA Encourages Underrepresented Students to Pursue Scholarship
in MUST Program; Deadline June 15
DALLAS, TX – PR Newswire – Minority undergraduates intrigued by math and science are among those urged to apply for a scholarship that will pay up to half of their annual college tuition and open up the world of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to them. The application deadline for the Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology Program (MUST) scholarship has been extended to June 15.
The MUST program is a partnership between NASA, the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Hispanic College Fund and the United Negro College Fund Special Programs. Open to all students, the MUST scholarships will go to qualifying students interested in pursuing careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or “STEM”) fields. Applicants must be rising college freshmen, sophomores or juniors, be U.S. citizens, have a minimum cumulative grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline as a full-time student. The MUST program is particularly focused on engaging students from underserved and underrepresented groups including women, African Americans, Native Americans, and persons with disabilities.
The students awarded MUST scholarships will have access to tutoring, special lectures and mentoring from STEM faculty and peers. As part of the scholarship’s requirements, each student will also complete a summer internship at a NASA facility.
“After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we hope these students will be even more excited to enter a U.S. workforce greatly needing their talents and skills,” said Rafaela Schwan of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
Russell Peek of the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation said the scholarships provide a unique chance for students interested in math and science. “The MUST program is an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduate students majoring in STEM to receive year-round mentoring and career development from NASA researchers, and hands-on research experiences at NASA Research Centers during the summer,” Peek said.
Thank you notes from past NASA/MUST scholars are not uncommon since the memory of the entire experience is so meaningful to them, according to Hector Ericksen-Mendoza of the Hispanic College Fund (HCF). One student wrote HCF to say that he could barely focus on a chemistry lecture after learning he had won a scholarship.
“Much like the quantum particles we discussed in class that day, I was glowing,” the student wrote. “The best way that I can show you my appreciation is through my continued success in my education and research.”
For MUST scholarship eligibility requirements, application forms or more information, call 817-272-1116 or email to rschwan@shpe.org or gary.cruz@shpe.org or visit the web site at http://www.ahetems.org .