NSF Scholarships for CS Majors

 NSF

$10,000 Scholarships

We have received an award of $287,500 through the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships to Westmont students majoring in Computer Science. The grant provides multiple scholarships per year for four years through the 2010-2011 academic year. Each scholarship provides up to $10,000 toward tuition. In addition to financial support, the program includes support for study groups, research experience, conference participation and other activities.

Why

The United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled graduates in computer science. Despite outsourcing, this shortage will continue for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, there is a desperate need for women and persons of color in computer science. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, we are able to offer generous scholarships to students with financial need and an interest and aptitude to pursue a degree in computer science at Westmont.

Eligibility

The scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and academic promise. Applicants for this program must be legal residents of the United States (citizen, national, refugee or legal alien). Financial need is determined by the US Department of Education and Westmont financial aid office. To receive an award, applicants must be accepted to Westmont and carry a regular full-time academic load. Awardees must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the field of computer science and make satisfactory progress toward the major in order to maintain their award or be eligible for annual renewals.

Amounts

Awards will be made based on unmet financial need up to a maximum of $10,000 per student.  We anticipate making between three and five such awards.

Selection Process

Students interested in this scholarship program should first apply to Westmont. We encourage students to apply for early action (deadline November 1, 2008) although students applying later may still be considered. Next, students must apply for the scholarship. The priority deadline for scholarship application is January 24, 2009. Finally, students must apply for financial aid and must ensure that all necessary forms are submitted on time. Incomplete application portfolios may prevent consideration.

From the scholarship applicants, 24 finalists will be invited to the Computer Science Connection on February 20-21. This two-day event will allow prospective students to meet Westmont computer science faculty, and allow them to evaluate candidates' promise for merit for a scholarship award. The event will involve meals together, community building exercises, individual and group problem-solving exams, interviews and games.

Awards will be announced on March 31, 2009. Scholarships may be renewed but are not guaranteed on a continuing basis for a given recipient.

Contact us

For more information, please contact the project leaders, Dr. Kim Kihlstrom and Dr. Wayne Iba.