Graduate Studies HBCU Grant
Establishing Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Scholarship and Financial Assistance Awarding Criteria
The Office of Graduate Studies is offering scholarships and tuition assistance through the HBCU Grant for African Americans 2023-2029, who are underserved, underrepresented, and low-income students in graduate STEM programs. Review the information below to apply for a scholarship or tuition assistance.
S.T.E.M. units participating in the grant will have an opportunity to recommend candidates. All students are required to submit a formal application to be considered for these resources whether recommended by the academic unit’s activity manager or an independent interest. Interested applicants or activity managers should check all criteria to ensure a student meets the qualifications before submitting an application. A short application is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All applicants may not be awarded based on availability of funds.
Who’s Eligible?
You’re eligible for consideration if you are a graduate student admitted and enrolled in one of the following Graduate STEM programs.
1. Master of Science in Applied Science and Technology (AST): Computer Systems & Network Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, Geospatial Engineering Technology,
Homeland Security, Radiological Health Science, Technology Management
2. Master of Science in Biology
3. Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (CIS)
4. Master of Science in Nursing
5. STEM Master of Business Administration: Accounting, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Healthcare Management
6. Master of Science in Secondary Education: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Science
Students must meet specific eligibility criteria and show sufficient financial need to qualify. The Office of Graduate Studies will coordinate and award the scholarships and assistantships to eligible African American students for the new grant cycle 2023-2029.
Types of Awards #1: Scholar
- Scholarships
- Financial Assistance – financial assistance is awarded to assist students with payment of tuition based on need
Eligibility Requirements
1. HBCU Establishing Scholarships and Financial Assistance Application
2. GPA
Academic performance must demonstrate student is academically talented. Student must reflect a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.00 to be considered for scholarships and financial assistance.
3. Financial Need
African American students considered underserved, underrepresented, and low income qualify to apply who lack the financial resources to support their access to education. This applies to students who may fall into one or more of the following categories:
a) Disadvantaged based on income
b) demonstrate financial need to pay tuition and fees
c) financial resources needed to complete degree program
d) struggling financially to pay for college
4. STEM Field of Interest
5. Enrollment
Must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) credit hours each semester. Credit hours will be verified through Banner. All awards will be applied directly to students’ accounts at Alcorn State
University each semester based on eligibility. Amount of award will be adjusted if credit hours requirement or use of funds unmet.
Selection Information
a) Completed application submitted online between May 25th – July 15th for the academic year which includes fall and spring; Apply between November 1st and December 22nd for the spring semester (this applies to students admitted in the fall for the spring semester) → HBCU Establishing Scholarship and Financial Assistance Application – Alcorn State University
b) Scholarships awarded based on merit: GPA of 3.00+ (Cumulative Grade Point Average will be verified according to transcript); financial assistance is awarded to assist students with payment of tuition based on need
c) Demonstration of financial need
d) Underserved (students who do not have adequate/equitable financial resources as other students in the academic pipeline); Underrepresented (generally considered to be Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or those of two or more races); Low-Income student (family annual income in lowest 20% nationally, around $40,000 or below the federal poverty line)
Type of Award #2 STEM Research Assistant
Students are eligible to apply and receive only one of the following: scholarship, financial assistance or the STEM Research Assistant.
Who’s Eligible?
Students enrolled in a graduate STEM program that conducts research-based laboratory activities for students conducting research related to thesis and non-thesis projects.
Eligibility Requirements
- 3.00 Cumulative GPA
- Enrolled full or part-time in graduate coursework
- Knowledge of research methods
- Data entry and data analysis skill
- Proficient in using laboratory equipment
- Effective time management skills
- Computer and software skills
- Manage multiple priorities, objectives, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Have good academic standing history
- Available to fulfill 20 hours per week research schedule
Where to Get an Application?
Students must complete a Student Employment Application through the Human Resource Department website following release of the position announcement.
Selection
Students applying for the STEM Research Assistant position will participate in an interview process once the application packet has been reviewed by the Activity Director. Selections will be made based on the eligibility requirements.
Amount
Students receive a monthly stipend of $1800 in working 80 hours per month.
Contact:
Julia Odom
HBCU Activity Director
Establishing Scholarships and Financial Assistance to Graduate Students
Alcorn State University
1000 ASU Drive #689
Walter Washington Administration Building 519
Lorman, MS 49096-7500
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (601) 877-4708
Website: alcorn.edu/academics/graduate-studies
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