College of Natural Sciences Announces the

The College of Natural Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino, is pleased to announce the new MASS scholarships which are funded by a $500,000 grant by the National Science Foundation for up to three years. These prestigious scholarships are for academically talented students and range from $100 (for those students with no financial need), to a maximum of $4,000 per year, based on need. The scholarships may be renewable for a total of two years for freshmen accepted into the program in 2009. Beyond the financial award, recipients will be paired with a faculty mentor in their discipline and have privileges such as priority registration. They will be ecouraged to participate in faculty research projects and in internships with local companies. Funds will be available for travel to scientific conferences to present research results.

How many scholaships are available?

There will be more than 30 scholarships available annually.

Who should apply

MASS scholarships are intended for academically talented students with financial need who major in a degree program in the following departments:

• Biology
• Chemistry/Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Geological Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics

Incoming Freshmen

Graduating seniors in the top 2% of their graduating class from high schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, or who are in the top 2% of freshman CSUSB applicants, are invited to apply. More than 10 scholarships will be available in Fall 2009 and may be renewable for a total of two years.

Juniors and Seniors--Community College transfer students

Applying for the MASS scholarship involves three steps:

1. The student must first be accepted to CSUSB. One can apply online by vising www.csumentor.edu.
2. The 2008-2009 (or 2009-2010) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): www.fafsa.ed.gov
3. Fill and return the MASS application below. Letters of recommendation are to be sent directly by the recommender.  Applications for Winter 2009 will begin in Spring 2009. Applications received later will be considered based on availability of funds.
4. Students who wish to be designated MASS Scholars, but do not have financial need will receive a $100 honorarium, as well as additional program benefits. The FAFSA need not be submitted.
   

Application package

• Application package for Freshmen entering in Fall 2009 (pdf)
• Application package for Transfer Students (2008-09 or Fall 2009) (pdf)

Please feel free to contact the MASS Mentor in your major:

Detailed criteria

In general students must

• be verified US citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or aliens admitted as refugees at the time of application;
• have demonstrated academic potential or ability;
• be financially needy, as defined by eligibility criteria for Pell Grants. (Students with no financial need may still be admitted to the program with $100 stipend provided by the College)
• be enrolled full-time at the University, majoring in a STEM discipline (Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics);
• have displayed high performance in math and science (at least one recommendation letter from a math or science teachers or professor);
• be qualified for taking calculus if entering as freshman;
• have and maintain B grade or better in AP science/mathematics courses or CSUSB/College science/mathematics courses;
• have a demonstrated interest in science and in careers in research, industry or teaching science.

For information regarding applications you may contact Lory Lewis, Assistant to the Dean, at 909-537-3302 or via email llewis@csusb.edu. For programmatic information you may contact Dr. George Georgiou, MASS Coordinator, at (909) 537-3378 or via email georgiou@csusb.edu.

Page last updated: 2/19/2009; suggestions or corrections, contact kcousins@csusb.edu