Parkland Science Scholars

If you intend to major in science or engineering, you may be eligible for participation in Parkland Science Scholars. This program supports students from low-income families and especially encourages applications from students from underrepresented minorities, veterans, students with disabilities, and first-generation college students.

Parkland Science Scholars participants start the program in the Fall semester and continue in the program for two years. Participants receive a scholarship of $2450/semester for a total award of $9800 over the length of the program. In addition, students benefit from program supports including community-building activities, a multi-layered mentoring program, and participation in summer undergraduate research. 

Accepting applications now!

Benefits to the Students

1. Financial support of $2,450 each semester (for 4 semesters), without impacting financial aid status
2. One-on-one pairing with a faculty mentor
3. Participation in peer mentoring within the Parkland Science Scholars and also between program participants and UIUC graduate students
4. Preparation for and participation in summer research opportunities (paid and unpaid opportunities are available)
5. Participation in and leadership opportunities in Parkland student clubs
6. Enrollment in Science Scholars Seminar each semester for 4 semesters
7. Recognition by the Parkland Board of Trustees upon successful completion of the program

Eligibility

• Students must be pursuing a degree in sciences, including, but not limited to biological sciences (except clinical fields), physical sciences (including chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology), and engineering sciences
• Students must be from low-income families (Pell grant-eligible, determined by completing FAFSA)
• Students must attend Parkland at full-time status (at least 12 credits/semester) for the full 2yrs of the program 
• Students must complete an application to be considered
• Students must be US citizens, permanent residents, US nationals, or admitted refugees
• Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply

Student Responsibilities 

• Project participants must stay in good academic standing throughout the project period (GPA at 2.5/4.0 or above) 
• Participants will be required to engage in mentoring activities, participate in the Science Scholar Seminar course, take part in student clubs, and attend other events and activities coordinated through the program
• Students accepted into the program will be required to read and sign an expectations agreement

Helpful Links

• Apply to Parkland College 
• Need help figuring out how to pay for college? Contact our Financial Aid office at finaid@parkland.edu
• Get help understanding and filling out your FAFSA here.
   

More questions about the Parkland Science Scholars program? Contact Dr. C. Britt Carlson at ccarlson@parkland.edu.

Parkland Science Scholars is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.