NSF SSTEM

Summary

The NSF S-STEM program at SUNY Poly is dedicated to empowering talented, low-income students by providing vital financial support and resources to help them succeed in engineering and technology fields. Through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the program aims to reduce financial and educational barriers that often limit access to higher education. By fostering a supportive cohort environment and connecting scholars with industry partnerships, the S-STEM program enables students to gain hands-on experience, develop strong engineering identities, and achieve academic and career success. This initiative ultimately strives to increase diversity and inclusion within the engineering workforce, paving the way for students to thrive as future leaders in their fields.

SUNY Poly is deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within engineering education, ensuring that all students—regardless of their financial background—have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career aspirations. Through initiatives like the NSF S-STEM program, SUNY Poly actively works to create an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and supports the unique needs of each student. By prioritizing accessible pathways to high-quality education and providing resources for underserved communities, SUNY Poly strives to build a more equitable engineering workforce that reflects the strength and innovation of a truly diverse society.

Program Benefits

Financial Support: Scholarships for up to four years, covering a significant portion of tuition.

Professional Development: Personalized mentoring, career guidance, and professional development funds for each scholar.

Cohort Experience: Collaborate and grow with a supportive cohort of peers in engineering and technology fields.

Experiential Learning: Engage in real-world learning with industry and government partners.

Leadership Team

Jiayue (Joyce) Shen, Ph.D.
Principle Investigator
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Phone: 315-351-3531
Email: shenj@sunypoly.edu
Office: Donovan Hall 1201

Sivapalan Gajan, Ph.D.
Co-Principle Investigator
Professor, Civil Engineering

Phone: (315) 792-7424
Email: gajans@sunypoly.edu
Office: Donovan Hall 1258D

Edmond Rusjan, Ph.D.
Co-Principle Investigator
Associate Professor, Mathematics

Phone: 315-792-7394
Email: edmond@sunypoly.edu
Office: Donovan Hall 2275

Andrew Cotronea
Co-Principle Investigator
CSTEP Coordinator

Phone: 315-792-7151
Email: andrew.cotronea@sunypoly.edu
Office: Kunsela Hall B104

S-STEM Scholars

Current Scholars: The S-STEM program currently supports 9 scholars in their freshman year, including

1 in Mechanical Engineering,
3 in Mechanical Engineering Technology,
4 in Civil Engineering,
and 1 in Civil Engineering Technology.

Application

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Programs: Eligible programs in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate unmet financial need and qualify as low-income.
Residency Requirements: U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident status.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the SUNY Poly application by the specified deadline.
Step 2: Submit the online S-STEM Scholars application.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA, listing SUNY Poly as the institution.
Step 4: Await admissions and scholarship decision notification.

Timeline

No deadline, currently accepting new applications. (Freshmen, and new transfer students)

FAQs

What’s the duration of the scholarship?
1. The NSF S-STEM scholarship at SUNY Poly is awarded for up to four years, covering the duration of your undergraduate studies, provided you maintain eligibility requirements. Starting freshmen are eligible for up to 4 years of scholarship support, while transfer students are eligible for up to 2 years.
Can transfer students apply?
1. Yes, transfer students are eligible to apply for the S-STEM scholarship. You must be enrolled full-time in one of the four eligible engineering or technology programs (Civil Engineering (CE), Civil Engineering Technology (CvET), Mechanical Engineering (ME), or Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)) and meet all other eligibility criteria.
What does the scholarship cover?
1. The S-STEM scholarship provides financial support to cover a significant portion of unmet financial need, in addition to other scholarships. It can be applied toward tuition, fees, and living costs. Scholars also receive funding for one-time coverage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, as well as possible travel support to attend conferences, workshops, and professional development events. The program additionally offers resources for mentorship, professional development, and experiential learning activities.
Are there any additional commitments for scholars?
1. Yes, S-STEM scholars are required to attend the national annual NSF S-STEM Scholar Meeting. This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with S-STEM scholars from across the country and participate in career fairs featuring top-tier graduate schools and leading companies.
How can I renew the scholarship each year?
1. To renew the scholarship annually, you must:
  1. Maintain full-time enrollment in an eligible program.
  2. Meet the minimum GPA as specified by the program.
  3. Participate in S-STEM program activities, including mentorship, professional development, and the NSF S-STEM Scholar Meeting.
  4. Continue to demonstrate financial need as assessed through the FAFSA and SUNY Poly’s financial aid office.
  5. Your eligibility will be reviewed at the end of each academic year to confirm renewal status.

Reports

Program Goals & Objectives

Overview of key objectives

Increase low-income student enrollment in engineering and technology.
Improve first-year retention and long-term graduation rates.
Support self-directed professional development.

Reports

Events & Activities

Orientation & FYS Course

Orientation: Overview of the two-day orientation before the fall semester to help students adapt to campus life and their studies.
First-Year Seminar (FYS): Description of the FYS course tailored for S-STEM scholars, covering study skills, time management, and professional skills development.

Admissions Events

KOBO Event: Explain the Know-One-Be-One (KOBO) event, where S-STEM scholars participate in campus open houses and recruitment events.
- Know One be One Volunteer & Student Participant Feedback Survey Results - 2024

Contact

Dr. Jiayue Shen
Principle Investigator
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology