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Central State University
Center for Student Opportunities

The National Science Foundation Benjamin Banneker Scholarship Program

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Description:

Through its NSF-Benjamin Banneker Scholarship Program, Central State University (CSU) is strengthening its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs and broadening the STEM workforce by offering merit-based scholarships, in conjunction with academic and other student support, to high-achieving high school seniors or transfer students. This academic scholarship is a one-year $7,500 award which is granted at a rate of $3,750 per semester. The University Council on Undergraduate Research reviews the applications for the scholarship and makes the final selections and awards. This scholarship is open to Central State University students majoring in a STEM department. CSU, one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the only public one in Ohio, promotes matriculation and retention of its students through their participation in learning communities and a common first year seminar, support through the Center for Student Opportunities, and opportunities to excel in an Honors Program.

Activities:

In addition to their scholarships, each Banneker Scholar –

1. participates in a STEM Learning Community in which he/she lives in close proximity to other Scholars in the same residence hall while taking the same core set of rigorous courses;
2. participates in the Honors Program earning honors credit towards his/her diploma;
3. receives advising and mentoring by a faculty member whose expertise is in the scholar’s interest area;
4. is tutored when assistance is needed with an academic area;
5. has access to other support services, as needed, including professional development, study skills, and counseling;
6. is encouraged into STEM-related internships in industries, governmental agencies and research institutions; and
7. is provided assistance in placement into careers and/or graduate or professional school.

Eligibility:

The eligibility criteria for acceptance into the scholarship program are:

• You must currently be an entering freshman at CSU with a STEM major
• You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• You must have an ACT score of 21 or better
• You must submit a Benjamin Banneker Scholarship application, a letter of interest summarizing your need of the scholarship, a statement of purpose.

The NSF-Benjamin Banneker Scholarship Program promotes academic excellence and the cross-fertilization of ideas among STEM fields. A cycle of year-round mentoring by experienced faculty mentors, interaction with peer and professional role models, and research training provides the inspiration for Benjamin Banneker Scholars to compete in graduate school and professional careers in STEM fields. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an initial award of $3,750. In order to be eligible to receive the remaining $3,750 in the spring semester, you must achieve and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 during the fall semester.

Gorgui S. Ndao, Manager
Center for Student Opportunities
Jenkins Hall, Room 123
Central State University
P.O. Box 1004
Wilberforce, OH  45384
Phone:  (937) 376-6265
Fax:      (937) 376-6598
Email:   Contact Us Now!