FALL 2020 Underrepresented Students in STEM: The HOPE (Helping Offset Pursuits of Education) Award

At American University, 80% of students receive financial aid to offset the cost of an undergraduate education, and still will have substantial loans to pay back.  The cost of graduate school applications is ever-rising and a major impediment to students who wish to further their education.  Application fees vary from program to program, and average $70-$100 each.  Students often are advised to apply to a minimum of five schools and programs, which can top $500 in application fees alone.  In addition, students also have to pay for entrance exams such as the GRE and GRE subject tests, which will cost an additional $160-$315.  They also will need money to travel to interviews and for other incidental costs.  In the end, students easily can end up paying close to $1,000 in fees and costs before they even step one foot inside graduate school.  This is a financial burden for the average college student, let alone one who is socioeconomically underrepresented.

Underrepresented Students in STEM (USS) will work with the NASA District of Columbia Space Grant Consortium (DCSGC) to accomplish the following with the HOPE Award:

1. Provide financial support for underrepresented STEM majors to further their STEM education.

2. Allow students to apply to the minimum amount of recommended schools and post-baccalaureate programs, giving them more options and opportunities.

3. Establish a model program that can be instituted at other institutions of higher learning.

4. Incentivize STEM community involvement.

HOPE Awards

1. Up to four $500.00 HOPE Awards will be made in Fall 2020.

2. Applications are due Wednesday November 25, 2020.

3. Announcements will be made Friday December 4, 2020.

4. Awards may be taxable, so awardees may be required to submit additional paperwork if selected.

5. Please note that NASA requires the DCSGC to track the academic and career progress of students who receive NASA awards.  As a requirement of the NASA funding, the DCSGC appreciates your cooperation in responding to a brief annual survey.

Application Requirements
             
1. Students must be U.S. citizens.

2. Students must be currently enrolled full-time, and pursuing a STEM major at American University.

3. This award is intended for juniors and seniors actively applying to a Masters or PhD program.

4. Students must complete the application form, submit a resume/CV, and submit an essay (maximum 750 words) that addresses the criteria detailed below.

Essay Criteria for Evaluation

A review panel will evaluate essays based on the following factors (in no particular order):

1. Confirmation of financial need.

2. Explanation of what the funding will be used for.

3. Description of your academic and career aspirations.

4. Summary of your STEM experiences.

5. Why the funding will make a difference in your future.

6. Why you believe you should be selected for funding.

Proceed to HOPE Award Application Form:
https://fd7.formdesk.com/DCSpaceGrant/hope