Parkland Science Scholars

Benefits for Cohort 5

  1. Financial support of $2,450 for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026, and $849 for Summer 2026.
  2. Participation in peer mentoring within the Parkland Science Scholars and with UIUC graduate students
  3. Preparation for and participation in summer research opportunities (paid and unpaid opportunities are available)
  4. Participation and leadership opportunities in Parkland student clubs
  5. Enrollment in Science Scholars Seminar Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 to learn how to navigate college, train to be a peer mentor, and prepare for careers in science and engineering

Visit Science Scholars Participants to hear what our students think of the program.

Cohort 5 Eligibility

  • Students must be pursuing a degree in sciences, including, but not limited to biological sciences (except health professions), physical sciences (including chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology), and engineering sciences
  • Students must complete an application to be considered
  • Students must be US citizens, permanent residents, US nationals, or admitted refugees
  • Students must be from low-income families (Pell grant-eligible, determined by completing FAFSA -- financial aid officers are available to help)

Student Responsibilities 

  • Participants must stay in good academic standing throughout the project period (GPA at 2.5/4.0 or above)
  • Participants must attend Parkland at full-time status (at least 12 credits/semester) for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Participants must be enrolled in IND 288 with research for Summer 2026.
  • 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

How to Apply

To apply, click here, then click Students > Parkland Science Scholars
Applications received by May 15th will be given priority, but the application will remain open until all positions are filled. 

Make sure to have the following ready in order to complete the application:

  • Your most recent GPA
  • The contact information for a personal or professional reference (Not sure how to ask someone to be a reference? Check out some tips at greatresumesfast.com. Parkland's Career Services office can also help.
  • A short statement (~2-5 sentences) about what kind of science or engineering you might be interested in and why
  • A short statement (~2-5 sentences) about why you're interested in Parkland Science Scholars
  • Be ready to agree to the Parkland Science Scholars Expectations Agreement. If you have questions or concerns, email sciencescholars@parkland.edu. 

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 Sheryl Drake at sciencescholars@parkland.edu.

 

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

 

If you are a low-income student and intend to major in science or engineering, you may be eligible for participation in Parkland Science Scholars.

Parkland Science Scholars will run Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026. Participants receive a scholarship totaling $5,749 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. 

 

Visit Science Scholars Participants to hear what our students think of the program.

SciSchol_group-2023