Microbiology & Cell Science

Extending Florida Pathways 2 Success Scholarship

The Microbiology and Cell Science (MCS) department in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) received a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in STEM program (NSF S-STEM program). The project aims to help low-income, transfer students succeed in STEM, specifically microbiology and cell science, by providing scholarships, research experiences, and other support activities.

The first iteration of the Florida Pathways to Success project (2018-2024; #1643780) awarded 171 MCS students with nearly $2 million in scholarships, improving the graduation and retention rate of undergraduate MCS transfer students. This is a partnership with Miami Dade College (MDC), which awarded over $1 million in scholarships to over 300 MDC STEM students. Cumulatively, that’s $3 million in scholarships to almost 500 students!

This project was highlighted at the 2022 STEM for All Video Showcase. Check it out here

In 2024, NSF S-STEM granted the project a continuation, Extending Florida Pathways 2 Success (#2322545), which will continue to award high-achieving, low-income undergraduates in MCS but is also now available to a select number of MCS master’s students.

Applications for this scholarship opportunity are kept open throughout the year. However, applications are only reviewed in August and January, at the start of each fall and spring term; please expect a response to your application in accordance with this timeline. Offer of new scholarship awards is contingent on available funding from term to term. Once awarded, S-STEM scholars do not need to reapply each term, and, as long as they maintain eligibility criteria (see below), scholars may receive the scholarship for up to 5 years, or the end of the grant (whichever is sooner).

Eligibility
Scholarship eligibility criteria are stipulated by the NSF S-STEM program, and further specified in accordance with university and departmental definitions. To be eligible, scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be seeking a bachelor’s OR master’s degree in Microbiology & Cell Science (CALS). Transfer students are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrate academic merit by maintaining ≥2.5 UF GPA or ≥3.0 UF GPA for master’s students; for continuation, scholars must also demonstrate progress towards earning their degree.
- Have demonstrated unmet financial need AND be low-income based on information provided in student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must file a FAFSA each year they wish to be eligible. University resources for how to apply can be found here.
Note: this scholarship is awarded as a “last dollar” scholarship, meaning the award amount will be calculated once all other gift aid (excludes loans) has been applied (i.e. award of this scholarship cannot result in an over-award on a student’s financial aid package).
- Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits for undergraduates and 5 or more credits for master’s students)
- Be a US citizen, permanent resident, national or refugee at the time of application submission as stipulated by NSF:
  Be citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Please note that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) individuals are ineligible for support from this solicitation unless they meet the requirements listed in the first sentence of this bullet;

Availibility

The project anticipates awarding approximately 20 MCS undergraduates and 5 MCS master’s level student each academic year from 2024 through 2028. Eligible, selected individuals may receive up to $15,000 (undergraduates) or $20,000 (master’s) per year for up to 5 years. Award amounts are dependent on financial need, so students must file a FAFSA each year they wish to be eligible. Once selected to participate in the project, students do not need to reapply but must demonstrate continued progress towards their degree in MCS.

Scholar Activities
- Undergraduate Research (Paid summer research experiences are available to select Florida Pathways S-STEM recipents.)
- Cohort Activities & Mentoring
- Peer-led Team Learning
- Career Mentoring
- Contribute to education research objectives by participating in surveys and focus groups.

About The Florida Pathways S-STEM Program

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants #1643780 & #2322545.

Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.