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Texas Tech University - A&SSouth Plains STEM Scholars

South Plains STEM Scholars

The South Plains STEM Scholars (SPSS) program provides financial and mentorship opportunities for rural students of the Southern High and Rolling Plains of Texas, eastern New Mexico and southern Oklahoma who are interested in STEM fields at Texas Tech (specifically biology, physics, math, geosciences, and chemistry). There are many financial challenges associated with pursuing higher education, and to assist with tuition, the program offers students up to $5,000 tuition assistance annually.

The program aims to help students succeed in and outside of the classroom. Upon admission, students will gain essential access to STEM faculty who will engage them in rural-related research and internship opportunities, and students will develop learning communities through seminars and service-learning projects geared toward rural communities.

SPSS faculty mentors are dedicated to helping students thrive during their time at Texas Tech, to learning from and with students from rural backgrounds, and to encouraging students to consider the ways in which they can contribute their STEM knowledge back to their rural communities.

Program Feature

  • The STEM Scholars program will accept and fund approximately 40 undergraduate students from rural communities across the South Plains region each year. Accepted students will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year in scholarship support.
  • Each cohort will form a learning community, and students will frequently take foundational courses in math, research, and writing with fellow group members.
  • Students accepted in the STEM Scholars program will receive one-on-one guidance from faculty mentors and will work closely with their mentors to develop connections between their STEM interests and potential rural opportunities.
  • STEM Scholar faculty will provide enriching opportunities for rural-related research and internship experiences, with the goal of connecting STEM study to rural life, work, and community.
  • Students in the STEM Scholars program will attend seminars focused on the future of rural America. Seminars will include a variety of topics from the complexity of rural life to how to engage in STEM work in rural settings.
  • The STEM Scholars program will encourage students to conduct service-learning projects in rural communities. The program emphasizes students' knowledge about rural life and their ability to significantly contribute to the places in which they call home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "up to $5,000" really mean?
This is a National Science Foundation-sponsored project and the maximum scholarship each year to any student is $5,000. We expect the average scholarship award for the 40 program participants to be ~$4,000 per year.
Am I eligible to apply?

Are you interested in the future or rural communities in America? Do you come from a rural community in America? Do you hope to forge a career and future in a rural community after graduation? Do you live in a rural community on the Southern High or Rolling Plains of TX, NM or OK?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES – then please get in touch.

Is this a 1-year award or can I be funded for multiple years?
All students accepted into the program, and maintain eligibility, will receive a scholarship for up to 4-years (~$4,000 per year for 4-years = ~$16,000 in total).
How do I remain eligible?
To maintain the scholarship after the first year you must continue to participate in the seminar series, check in regularly with your mentors, remain committed to completing a BS degree in one of the science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences or Physics) or in Mathematics, remain a student in good academic standing, and, be enrolled as a full-time student (enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours).'
Is there any extra course work?
NO – you will enroll in the same courses as other students and peers who are pursuing the same major as you.
Is there any extra work?
Yes – but not a lot! You will participate in a monthly seminar-series and discussion-group that showcases the strengths and challenges of rural America and promote community health and strength in the future.
This is a National Science Foundation program – will I be studied?
We will ask you to complete occasional surveys and participate in occasional interviews with a researcher or in a small group. Your participation in these surveys and interviews in optional. If you decline the invitation to participate, you get to keep the scholarship (so long as you meet the other eligibility requirements).
Can I leave the program and return?
Yes. If you have to step back from your education for family, health or other personal reasons you may suspend your participation in the program, and re-join when you re-enroll.
Do I have to live on campus?
With very few exceptions, all Freshman enrolling at Texas Tech are required to live in one of the residence halls. The SPSS program has reserved places in a residency where you will be part of a community of other students doing a degree in the College of Arts & Sciences. If you would prefer to have a room in a different residence hall that is no problems either.
How do I apply to the SPSS program?
Please complete the on-line form to "Get in Touch with Us" and we will contact you with a short and simple (1-page) application form.
When will I know if I will receive a scholarship?
We will award scholarships by late May, and before you visit campus for your Red Raider Orientation days.

College of Arts & Sciences

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