CNS MASS Scholarship

These Mathematics and Science Scholars scholarships are made available to students who are majoring in Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Computer Science/Computer Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics in the College of Natural Sciences. The criteria for selection include the following: top 2% of Riverside or San Bernardino County high school graduates, top applicants to CSUSB, or transfer students from a community college with at least a 3.5 GPA. The amount of the award ranges from $100 to $5000 depending upon financial need. Significant benefits accrue to scholarship recipients.

MASS scholarships are funded by a $590,000 grant by the National Science Foundation. These prestigious scholarships are for academically talented students and range from $100 (for those students with no financial need), to a maximum of $5,000 per year, based on need. The scholarships may be renewable for a total of three years for new students accepted into the program in 2012-13. Beyond the financial award, recipients will be paired with a faculty mentor in their discipline and have privileges such as priority registration. They will be ecouraged to participate in faculty research projects and in internships with local companies. Funds will be available for travel to scientific conferences to present research results.

How many scholaships are available?

There will be more than 26 scholarships available annually.

Who should apply?

MASS scholarships are intended for academically talented students with financial need who major in a degree program in the following departments:

• Biology
• Chemistry/Biochemistry
• Computer Science/Computer Engineering
• Geological Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics

Incoming Freshmen

Graduating seniors in the top 2% of their graduating class from high schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, or who are in the top 2% of freshman CSUSB applicants, are invited to apply.

Juniors and Seniors--Community College transfer students

Transfer students entering STEM majors are encouraged to apply. Students with a 3.5 Cumulative College GPA and with demonstrated excellence in math, science or technology may apply

1. The student must first be accepted to CSUSB. One can apply online by visiting CSUMentor
2. A current free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
3. Fill and return the MASS application below. Letters of recommendation are to be sent directly by the recommender.
4. Students who wish to be designated MASS Scholars, but do not have financial need will receive a $100 honorarium, as well as additional program benefits. The FAFSA need not be submitted.

• Freshman.Application.11.12.pdf
• Transfer.Application.11.12.pdf

Due to unexpectedly high retention, we currently have all funds committed for fall, 2011. We are accepting applications from freshmen 2011 and transfer students 2011 for winter and spring 2011, should openings become available.

Please feel free to contact the MASS Mentor in your major:

Biology Kevin Middleton, PhD MASS Biology Mentor Assistant Professor, Biology California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-5577 Email: kmm@csusb.edu	Chemistry / Biochemistry Douglass Smith, Ph.D. MASS Chemistry/Biochemistry Mentor Associate Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-5387 Email: dcsmith@csusb.edu
Computer Science Haiyan Qiao, Ph.D. MASS Computer Science/Engineering Mentor Assistant Professor Computer Science & Engineering California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-5415 Email: hqiao@csusb.edu	Geological Sciences Joan Fryxell, Ph.D. MASS Geology Mentor Professor, Geological Sciences California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-5311 Email: jfryxell@csusb.edu
Mathematics Laura Wallace, Ph.D. MASS Mathematics Mentor Associate Professor, Mathematics California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-7113 Email: wallace@csusb.edu	Physics Paul DIxon , Ph.D. MASS Physics Mentor Chair & Professor, Physics California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-5399 Email: pdixon@csusb.edu
Kimberley Cousins, Ph.D. Project Director Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry California State University, San Bernardino Phone: (909) 537-5391 Email: kcousins@csusb.edu

Detailed Criteria

In general, students must:

• be verified US citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or aliens admitted as refugees at the time of application;
• have demonstrated academic potential or ability;
• be financially needy, as defined by eligibility criteria for Pell Grants. (Students with no financial need may still be admitted to the program with $100 stipend provided by the College)
• be enrolled full-time at the University, majoring in a STEM discipline (Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics);
• have displayed high performance in math and science (at least one recommendation letter from a math or science teachers or professor);
• be qualified for taking calculus if entering as freshman;
• have and maintain B grade or better in AP science/mathematics courses or CSUSB/College science/mathematics courses;
• have a demonstrated interest in science and in careers in research, industry or teaching science;
• may not be receiving a President's Academic Excellence Scholarship concurrently.

For information regarding applications you may contact Irene Carrasco, Secretary for the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at 909-537-5344 or via email icarrasc@csusb.edu. For programmatic information you may contact Dr. Kimberly Cousins, MASS Project Director, at (909) 537-5391 or via email kcousins@csusb.edu.