BSU/NASA Space Grant

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Scholarship

Applications accepted until April 7, 2009.

Space Studies Program | Space Grant/Fellowship | Announcements | STEM Scholarship

Bemidji State University belongs to the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium which is a member of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

About Space Grant

The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program

Established by Congress in 1988 and implemented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1989, the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (also known as Space Grant) contributes to the nation's science enterprise by funding research, education, and public service projects through a national network of 52 university-based Space Grant consortia. These consortia administer programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The consortia's 820 affiliates include 531 academic institutions and 80 businesses. Other partners include state and local government agencies, other federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, Space Grant has awarded over 12,000 U.S. citizens with tuition assistance in science, engineering, and related fields of study.

Source: The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (http://calspace.ucsd.edu/spacegrant/)

About the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium (MNSGC)

The Minnesota Space Grant Consortium (MnSGC) is part of the NASA Funded National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The mission of the MnSGC is to provide a driving force for aerospace education in Minnesota. Program goals and objectives include diversity, competitiveness coupled with accessibility, ties with NASA centers and enterprises, and relationships with industry and state government. The MnSGC supports a variety of projects including pre-college activities in math and science, student research, program development, and fellowships and scholarships for students at its 14 academic affiliate institutions of higher learning and public outreach. Between 1997 and 2002, the MnSGC awarded 575 scholarships to college students in Minnesota and has supported numerous projects and programs involving students at all levels, from K-12 through graduate school.

MNSGC Goals

The overarching goal of the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium (MnSGC) is to promote teaching, research, educational outreach, and public service in the fields of engineering, science, and mathematics that support NASA's Strategic Enterprises. In achieving this goal, particular emphasis has been given to including women, underrepresented minorities, and populations with special needs in the activities of the Consortium. Under the direction of NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, the initiatives of the MnSGC range from the creation of math and science workshops for K-12 pre-service and in-service teachers, to support for a wide spectrum of undergraduate and graduate research projects.

MNSGC Objectives

Although each Affiliate Member addresses them differently, the MnSGC has defined objectives in the following categories:

Provide financial assistance for research development and enhancement of departmental infrastructure in coordination with the five critical research areas outlined in the NASA Strategic Plan: Earth Science, Aerospace Technology, Human Exploration and Development of Space, Space Science and Biological and Physical Research.
Provide financial assistance for K-12 educational outreach and teacher training.
Provide financial assistance for public education and involvement in aerospace science and engineering related careers and research.
Provide financial assistance to both graduate and undergraduate students while fostering new initiatives in higher education.

Source: Minnesota Space Grant Consortium website

About BSU Space Grant

Bemidji State University has been an Affiliate of the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium since its creation in 1991. Over the past 16 years, BSU Space Grant has undertaken a wide variety of activities, including development of an interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in Space Studies, creation of a BSU Space Grant Fellowship Program, support of undergraduate and faculty research, and public and K-12 science outreach. We share the overarching goals of the National Space Grant program and the MNSGC, including

to promote a strong science, mathematics and technology base from elementary school through university levels
to assist in establishing a national network of universities with capabilities in space studies and related fields
to recruit and train professionals, especially under-represented groups, for careers in aerospace science, technology, and related fields

About the BSU/NASA Space Grant STEM scholarships

In support of the goals outlined above, the BSU Space Grant Program is offering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Scholarships. These scholarships will be applied to courses to be taken at BSU in 2009-2010.

Eligibility

Successful applicants for BSU/NASA Space Grant STEM Scholarships:

Will be US Citizens
Will be enrolled at BSU as either undergraduate or graduate students
Will be taking courses during 2009-2010 at Bemidji State University in the fields of Geology (GEOL), Environmental Studies (ENVR), Physics (PHYS), Chemistry (CHEM), Biology (BIOL), Mathematics (MATH), or Computer Science (CS).
Will show evidence of high academic performance.
Women and members of other under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply

Application

Please fill out the information form [Doc or PDF] and include the following:

A copy of a recent college transcript (unofficial copy is OK)
A letter of application (one page, double-spaced, describing your educational and career goals and other justifications for receiving this award)
At least one, and no more than three letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional activities.

All materials must be received no later than April 7, 2009 . Send all materials to:

BSU Space Grant STEM Scholarship
Attn: Dr. Tim Kroeger
Bemidji State University - #27
1500 Birchmont Dr. NE
Bemidji, MN 56601

For more information contact:

Space Studies Program Director
Dr. Tim Kroeger
218.755.4006
Sattgast 1098, BSU
tkroeger@bemidjistate.edu

BSU Space Studies Program

BSU Space Studies Program Announcements