S-STEM

Fairmont State University was awarded a National Science Foundation S-STEM Track 1 program to improve the educational experience of low-income students in the College of Science and Technology (Sci/Tech), specifically the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Engineering Technology. S-STEM program focuses on increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation of academically talented, low-income STEM students through targeted recruitment activities, scholarships, cohort building, networking, and curricular and co-curricular support. This program offers a student-driven support system for S-STEM students and particular attention from peer and faculty mentors through frequent mentor-advisee meetings to enhance the S-STEM students' learning experience and well-being on campus.

The scholarship is available for 18 exceptional students (three cohorts of six students), and is worth up to $6,250 annually to cover unmet financial needs for qualifying students pursuing a four-year B.S. degree in:

Deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year is April 30, 2024!

APPLY FOR S-STEM

Application Requirements

Incoming Freshmen
2.75 Minimum GPA
Demonstrated Financial Need (via FAFSA)
Complete two assessments online (Information will be sent to you when you indicate your interest in the program)
Complete a Field Experience Day on Fairmont State Campus (This event will be in person or virtual based on current Fairmont State COVID-19 protocols).

S-STEM Objectives

Objective 1: Recruit 18 academically talented students who demonstrate financial need to major in the College of Science and Technology with financial support as S-STEM scholars.
Objective 2: Improve retention of S-STEM scholars through curricular and co-curricular activities. We want to retain 88% of scholars (16/18) in the College of Science and Technology from the first to the second year, and graduate at least 72% of scholars (13/18) within four years.
Objective 3: At least 90% of S-STEM scholar graduates should have a job in their field (including graduate school) within one year of graduation. We would like to see at least 25% of scholars find a job through the connections they make in the S-STEM program.
Objective 4: Enhance the S-STEM student learning experience by improving faculty mentoring and advising capabilities through student engagement techniques.
Objective 5: Network with universities, industries, and public schools—especially in Appalachia—to disseminate our challenges and successes.

S-STEM Personnel

Robert Niichel

Principal Investigator | Assistant Professor of Mathematics
405 ET
304-367-4701
rniichel@fairmontstate.edu

Abby D. Chapman

Co-Principal Investigator | Assistant Professor of Occupational Safety
415 ET
304-367-4633
abby.chapman@fairmontstate.edu

Jojo Joseph

Co-Principal Investigator | Assistant Professor of Chemistry
217 HHH
304-367-4127
Jojo.Joseph@fairmontstate.edu

Steven K. Roof

STEM Administrator | Dean, College of Science & Technology | Professor of Biology
328 HHH / 302 ET
304-367-4363
Steven.Roof@fairmontstate.edu

Tom Cuchta

S-STEM Webmaster | Assistant Professor of Mathematics
423 ET
304-367-4218
tcuchta@fairmontstate.edu