Parkland Science Scholars is designed to support low-income students to pursue their degree in a science field. During the two years they are in the program, students are provided financial support and participate in a program involving community-building, a tiered system of mentoring, and participation in summer undergraduate research. Parkland Science Scholars is a grant-funded program. Current funding can support four cohorts of ten students, for a total of 40 students over the course of five years.
Applications are closed, but will reopen on March 1, 2022.
Benefits to the Students
- Financial support of $2,450 each semester (for 4 semesters), without impacting financial aid status
- One-on-one pairing with a faculty mentor
- Participation in peer mentoring within the Parkland Science Scholars and also between program participants and UIUC graduate students
- Preparation for and participation in summer research opportunities (paid and unpaid opportunities are available)
- Participation in and leadership opportunities in Parkland student clubs
- Enrollment in Science Scholars Seminar each semester for 4 semesters
- 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.
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 attend mentoring appointments, the Science Scholar Seminar course, and 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
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.