The Rockhurst University SMART-STEM Scholars program seeks to support academically talented students with unmet financial needs to complete their Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry or Physics at Rockhurst.
The RU SMART-STEM Program focuses on Scholarships and Mentoring to Accelerate Retention and Training (SMART). SMART-STEM Scholars will be awarded scholarships up to $15,000 per year. Qualified first-time college students and transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for this program after first applying to Rockhurst University.
For more information about the SMART-STEM scholarship program, please contact smart.stem@rockhurst.edu.
Program Student Support Services
SMART-STEM scholarship program support services include, but are not limited to:
- Faculty and peer mentorship programs centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and mental health
- Networking opportunities with Rockhurst’s alumni and STEM career contacts
- Program-specific events
- Team-building activities within a cohort-based learning model
SMART-STEM Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish financial eligibility (Rockhurst’s FAFSA Code is 002499).
- Awardees must be a U.S. citizen, national, or have proof of permanent residency.
- Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in a degree track offered below:
- Biochemistry
- Biology: Organismal, Molecular, Environmental, General Track, Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Chemistry: ACS Approved Track
- Physics: Physics of Medicine, Biomedical Physics
SMART-STEM Application Requirements
- Apply to Rockhurst University
- Essay indicating your strong demonstration of STEM preparedness and/or interest and your future STEM career interests.
- Examples could include STEM-related extracurricular activities and/or job experiences.
- Applicants with limited activities or experiences may discuss their interests in pursuing STEM-related activities and/or careers.
- Optional: ACT and SAT scores, if completed
Note: Preference is given to students who wish to pursue non-medicine STEM careers.
Application Process | |
| December | SMART-STEM Scholars application will be available on this website. Potential applicants are encouraged to check back to find more details on the application process. |
| December | FAFSA becomes available. Applicants should complete their FAFSA (Rockhurst’s FAFSA Code is 002499) as soon as possible to determine financial eligibility for the program. |
| February | PRIORITY DEADLINE. Completed applications will be reviewed by SMART-STEM faculty mentors. |
| April | Scholarship offers will be made and continue on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded. |
| May | Scholarship awardees must be admitted to Rockhurst University and pay their deposit by May 1. |
The RU SMART-STEM program is supported by the National Science Foundation (DUE 2325765)
