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Apply for an MSI STEM Scholarship

September 6, 2022 3-min. read

Students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in the state can now apply for NC Space Grant opportunities to support them as they begin journeys to lead future STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — efforts in the state and beyond.  

“We are elated to support another talented group of students through our MSI opportunities,” says Sandy Canfield, assistant director of NC Space Grant. “These awards will help them to expand their visions as they begin their STEM career journeys.”

Learn more about the MSI Pathways Scholarship Program and MSI Bridge Scholarship below, and in detail on the ncspacegrant.org website. Follow the links to apply by the deadline on Oct. 17, 2022. Faculty support letters are due on Oct. 19, 2022.

MSI STEM Pathways Scholarship

The MSI Pathways Scholarship program is designed for students starting their academic careers in STEM and NASA-related fields. Awarded students receive $3,000 to support their endeavors. This experience introduces students to STEM-related research and career pathways and familiarizes students with NASA fellowship and internship application processes. Awardees also attend a mandatory webinar with a NASA expert and an NC Space Grant representative to explore academic and professional opportunities.

This funding opportunity is open to full-time (12 credits) community college and non-senior undergraduate students who attend an MSI in North Carolina, as designated by NASA. Pathways Scholars are strongly encouraged to apply for the MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship following completion of the program. 

Eligible Universities and Colleges:

  • Bennett College 
  • Bladen Community College 
  • Chowan University 
  • Edgecombe Community College 
  • Elizabeth City State University 
  • Fayetteville State University 
  • Halifax Community College 
  • Johnson C. Smith University 
  • Livingstone College
  • North Carolina A&T State University 
  • North Carolina Central University 
  • North Carolina Wesleyan College 
  • Robeson Community College 
  • Saint Augustine’s University 
  • Sampson Community College
  • Shaw University 
  • University of North Carolina at Pembroke
  • Winston-Salem State University

Application Deadline: Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, 6 p.m. 

A faculty letter of recommendation must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, 6 p.m.

MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship

The MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship program encourages students from underrepresented and underserved populations to pursue STEM-related careers. Awarded students receive $5,000 to support a STEM-related research project based on NASA Mission Directorates. This scholarship helps students cultivate skills to develop research plans, proposals, and scholarship and fellowship applications. Scholars also attend a mandatory webinar with a NASA expert and NC Space Grant representative to explore additional professional opportunities.

Applicants must be enrolled as full-time (12 credits) sophomore, junior or senior students at an accredited MSI in North Carolina, as designated by NASA. Bridge Scholars are strongly encouraged to apply for the NC Space Grant Undergraduate Research Scholarship or the Graduate Research Fellowship following completion of the program.

Eligible Universities & Colleges:

  • Bennett College
  • Chowan University
  • Elizabeth City State University
  • Fayetteville State University
  • Johnson C. Smith University
  • Livingstone College
  • North Carolina A&T University
  • North Carolina Central University
  • North Carolina Wesleyan College
  • Saint Augustine’s College
  • Shaw University
  • University of North Carolina at Pembroke
  • Winston-Salem State University

Application Deadline: Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, 6 p.m. 

A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, 6 p.m.

Application Support

NC Space Grant offers information sessions for MSI applications to provide students with advice and guidance. These sessions are not mandatory, but it is advantageous to attend because of the advice and information given during the session. Registration is required but can be done up until the start of the meeting. Only after registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The sessions will be held:

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