Contact: Maridith Geuder
Beginning this fall, Mississippi State will offer up to 40 academic scholarships that encourage students to seek degrees in computer science, engineering or mathematics.
With more than $220,000 in funding from the National Science Foundation, the university will provide scholarships to support the last two years of academic study toward a bachelor's degree.
The $2,500 annual fellowships target underrepresented, academically talented students who demonstrate financial need, said Sandra H. Harpole, director of MSU's Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology.
"Students who are designated Computer, Science, Engineering or Mathematics (CSEM) Fellows must qualify for federal Pell Grants," she added.
In addition to financial assistance, CSEM Fellows will benefit from a program of mentoring and professional development activities. They will participate in research activities and have opportunities to present their findings at regional and national professional meetings.
In addition to attending seminars by faculty members and industry representatives, the scholarship students will receive assistance with job placement and opportunities for graduate study.
"There is a national workforce need to increase the number of graduates in computer science, engineering and mathematics," Harpole said.
"This program will assist academically talented students in our state and region in completing their degrees and provide them with experiences in which they gain an understanding of workplace needs and applications."
For more about the CSEM Fellowship Program, contact Harpole at (662) 325-2922, or visit MSU's student financial aid web site at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/sfa.