• How To Apply

    Admitted students interested in the STEM Scholar program should apply to the program by February 15, 2025. Submit your Hendrix application today to receive access to the STEM Scholar application in your status portal.

  • What is the STEM Scholars Program?

    Through the generous support of the National Science Foundation (NSF Award 2322521), the Hendrix College STEM Scholars program provides scholarships and exciting opportunities to students majoring in a Hendrix STEM discipline: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemical physics, and environmental studies.

    NSF + Hendrix

     

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Students selected for the program will receive the following benefits:

    1. A scholarship of up to $15,000 renewable for four years. This scholarship is in addition to other scholarships and grants the student is eligible for from institutional, local, state, and federal sources.
    2. Advising to identify summer research and internship opportunities, and funding to pursue these opportunities.
    3. Individual mentoring and advising by members of the Hendrix science faculty.
    4. Participation in a community with like-minded STEM students who will share:
      • orientation trips, coursework, and introductory classes,
      • a paid STEM-based community service project, and
      • a science themed living-learning community where you'll study, play, and live with one another

    What does it mean to be a STEM Scholar?

    The goal of the Hendrix STEM Scholars program is to recruit and train the next generation of STEM professionals in the South. Students who are the first in their families to attend college, are from low-income households, or who belong to historically minoritized and marginalized groups in science fields are particularly encouraged to apply for this program.

    Why should I be part of the STEM Scholars program at Hendrix?

    Twenty-one students participated in the STEM Scholars program under a previous NSF grant (NSF Award 2322521). Those students realized the following tangible outcomes:

    • 95% graduated with a STEM degree.
    • More than 44 research projects were completed.
    • 26 presentations were given at regional and national conferences at no cost to the students.
    • STEM Scholars were student authors on four peer-reviewed publications.
    • 100% of STEM Scholars went on to active employment or further education.

    Representative members of the previous cohort participated in structured interviews about the STEM Scholars program. Of the fourteen students interviewed,

    • 100% mentioned that the program encouraged them to take a growth mindset (perceiving critical skills as learnable, not inherent),
    • 100% felt a sense of belonging in the STEM Scholars program,
    • 79% said they wanted to continue to be part of a community of scientists and researchers, and
    • 93% felt comfortable seeking help from Hendrix faculty.

  • May 2022 graduating STEM scholars 3

    “STEM Scholars set me up for success after undergrad by providing countless resources and opportunities to grow as an individual, a student, and a young professional. The program also challenged me to grow and push my boundaries each year and helped me work through and overcome adversity when needed. Ultimately, the STEM Scholars program set me up for success in life beyond college.”  

     

    STEM_4

    “Looking back, I think what meant the most to me was that this program provided me with a support group of both faculty and my fellow peers that made me feel like I belonged. There were many times where coursework was challenging...Being a part of STEM Scholars, I was constantly reminded that I deserved to be here, I was good enough, and that I didn’t have to struggle alone.” 

    National STEM Scholars Convention

    “One professional opportunity I accessed through STEM Scholars was the National S-STEM Symposium in Washington, D.C. during my sophomore year. This conference allowed me to develop connections across the country, to learn about ways I could positively leverage my STEM Scholar experience, and to engage in professional develop through workshops and roundtable discussions.” 

       

    • How To Apply

      Admitted students interested in the STEM Scholar program should apply to the program by February 15, 2025. Submit your Hendrix application today to receive access to the STEM Scholar application in your status portal.

    • STEM Scholars Team

      Laura MacDonald 2021-667x1000
      Laura MacDonald, 2015- Charles S. and Lucile Esmon Shivley Odyssey Associate Professor of Biology B.A., Hendrix College, 2009
      Ph.D., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 2014
      Mark Goadrich 2024-FINAL667x1000
      Mark Goadrich, 2014- Professor of Computer ScienceChair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science B.A., Kenyon College, 1998
      M.S., University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2000
      Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2007
      Courtney Hatch 2024-4963-667x1000
      Courtney Hatch, 2008- Nancy and Craig Wood Odyssey Professor of ChemistryChair, Natural Sciences Area B.A., Hendrix College, 2000
      Ph.D, University of Colorado, 2006
      Damon Spayde 2024-FINAL667x1000
      Damon T. Spayde, 2007- Julia Mobley Odyssey Professor of PhysicsChair, Department of Physics B.A., Grinnell College, 1995
      M.A., University of Maryland, 2000
      Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2001
      2024.09.10-LeslieZorwick-8342
      Leslie Zorwick, 2007- Professor of PsychologyChair, Department of Psychology B.A., Emory University, 2000
      M.A., The Ohio State University, 2003
      Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2007