Engineering Scholars Program – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Engineering Scholars Program?
The Engineering Scholars Program is an S-STEM grant funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) that provides scholarships and academic support to academically talented low income students. Interested students must apply using the application on this website to participate in the program at PVAMU.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
Selected participants can receive academic scholarships up to $5000 per academic year for 4 years based on financial need.  Participants will also benefit from academic and professional development activities designed to increase their academic performance and preparation for graduate school and/or STEM careers.
What is meant by financial need?
Financial need is determined using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) typically filled out by students each year.  This determination is based on factors such as cost of attendance and family contribution.  Program Leaders will work with the PVAMU financial aid office in determining financial need.
Will receiving a scholarship from this program affect my other financial aid?
The total financial aid package you receive can not exceed the Cost of Attendance (COA) for PVAMU. Therefore, receiving this scholarship could reduce other financial aid you receive, but only if you receive enough to cover the COA. In most cases, receiving a S-STEM scholarship will only reduce the loan part of your financial aid package (which is a good thing).
Do I have to be majoring in engineering, computer science, or technology to receive a scholarship?
This program is only open to students pursuing a degree in one of the six departments in the College of Engineering.
If I don’t have a 3.0 GPA, can I still apply?
While the target population is students with a minimum GPA of 3.0, students who are close to a 3.0 (2.8 or higher) can still apply. In writing the essay that is a part of the application, you want to highlight why you should be selected even though you may not meet the GPA requirement.
Is the program and scholarship only for U.S. citizens?
The funding for this program from the National Science Foundation restricts scholarships to only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, refugee aliens or permanent residents.  This a requirement of the funding agency.
Can graduate students in the College of Engineering receive a scholarship?
This program is only for undergraduate students.
If I am a Junior or Senior majoring in engineering, computer science, or technology, can I still apply?
While the program targets students at the sophomore level, upperclassman can apply.
Can entering freshmen apply for the scholarship?
The program’s target population is students at the sophomore level.  Entering freshman can apply after they have completed Calculus I and completed a minimum of 24 hours of college coursework.
What type of activities will I have to participate in if selected for the program?
Participants will have opportunities to attend workshops on career development and graduate school. Participants will also attend mentoring sessions designed to increase their academic performance and retention in their degree program. Participants will attend study sessions, tutoring, and supplemental instruction as needed to enhance their academic performance. Participants will also receive assistance on applying for summer internships and summer research experiences.
What is the time commitment if selected to participate in the program?
Participants will take part in program activities at most 5-10 hours a week. This may be less for most weeks. The time commitment is based on the academic needs of the particular participant.
If selected, will I receive the scholarship each year?
As long as the participant maintains program eligibility criteria, the scholarship can be renewed up to 3 additional years (6 semesters if scholarship is used for summer).
What happens if I no longer have financial need after being selected to participate in the program?
Participants whose financial need drops to $0.00 may remain a scholar and participate in program activities, but they will not receive a scholarship.
Where can I get a copy of my transcript and financial aid award letter?
You can access those items from Panthertracks in PVPlace.
Where can I get assistance in saving my transcript and financial aid award letter as a file that I can upload?
Please see your department secretary for assistance.