STEM Scholar Program receives “Insight Into Diversity” magazine’s 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

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TCU’s STEM Scholar Program has received the 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The award recognizes colleges and universities that encourage and assist students traditionally underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including students of color, women and first-generation college students.

TCU is one of 50 institutions across the United States to earn recognition following a comprehensive review of its program.

The STEM Scholar Program features a summer enrichment experience, complete with an elective science course, workshops on academic expectations and the transition to college, to help lay the foundation for a successful academic experience. Scholars receive guidance from dedicated program mentors as they learn research methods, gain access to networking opportunities and participate in group activities and educational travel throughout their academic careers. Each student selected for the program receives a full scholarship.

“This first cohort of students has exceeded all expectations. They have not only done well academically but have made a real mark on campus,” said Zoranna Jones, Ph.D., director of the Harris Academic Resource Center and STEM Scholar Program.

First-year highlights of the group’s accomplishments include:

  • Acceptance into the Summer Health Professional Education Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, a competitive program that provides students with hands-on experiences to health professions such as medicine, dental and nursing.
  • Receipt of the Pre-Health Professions Institute’s EPIC Grant, which provides a $2,500 gift to support the launch of a high school mentor program titled Molding Melanin Magic.
  • The honor of Dean’s Recognition of Professional Development in Science and Engineering for the dedicated pursuit of professional development through participation in the careers in science and engineering.

The students also participated in study abroad programs and are serving as student leaders in various organizations across campus and within our community.

The STEM Scholar Program, which launched in August 2018 with five students, will increase in size this fall with an additional eight students.

Insight Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.