Montgomery College has been a participant since 2000 in the Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarship Program funded by the National Science Foundation.  40 Scholarships of up to $3,125 per year can be awarded annually for one year of support. This is renewable for a total of two years of support. The current grant also provides for up to eight transfer students to receive up to $2,000 per year for an additional two years of support.

The program provides scholarships in order to reduce economic barriers and encourage full-time enrollment for financially eligible students majoring in Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics.  These students, known as Montgomery College NSF CSEM scholars, will be provided with a challenging and supportive program that prepares them for successful transfer to a four-year college or university.

Applications will be available March 1, 2007. They must be returned to Dr. Mary Kay Abbey by May 15, 2007. Absolutely no late applications will be considered. E-mail confirmation of all applications will be sent. If no confirmation is received, you MUST contact Dr. Abbey at 240-567-1440.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the award will be based on the following:

• Residency status -The Admissions Office will verify residency status.  Eligible students are United States citizens, permanent residents, or aliens admitted as refugees at the time of application.
• Enrollment status – Full-time enrollment at MC in an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS)  degree program.  Full-time means being enrolled for 12 or more credit hours each semester.
• Financial need - The Financial Aid Office will establish financial need. The federal methodology as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be employed (FAFSA).  You will need the MC FAFSA code number, 006911, to complete the FAFSA form online if you have not previously done so.
• Be planning to transfer into a BS degree program in computer science, engineering or mathematics.
• Be ready for enrollment in college level courses -- you must be eligible to enroll in MA180 (Pre-Calculus) or a higher level Math course.
• Academic merit – Have a strong academic record.
• Enroll in a one-credit course that will include seminars by scientists and engineers as well as resume writing, interviewing, and advising in preparation for transfer to a four-year institution.

Each CSEM Scholar's academic progress will be reviewed each semester.  The award will be discontinued if the student withdraws from school or classes and no longer has full time status, fails to complete 12 credits including two courses in the major with the grade of C or better, or if their overall grade point average falls below 2.5.

An application for renewal must be filed each year.  An electronic copy of the renewal application will be sent to all current CSEM Scholars on March 1, 2007. They must be returned to Dr. Mary Kay Abbey by May 15, 2007. Absolutely no late applications will be considered. E-mail confirmation of all applications will be sent. If no confirmation is received, you MUST contact Dr. Abbey at 240-567-1440.

The renewal application is for both returning and transferring students. Transfer students must be graduates of Montgomery College - that is receiving an AA or AS degree from Montgomery College.

How to Apply

Please choose the correct application from the following four according to your current status. Follow directions and be sure to have everything in by the due date.

1. New applicants who will be at MC in Fall, 2007.
2. Returning CSEMS students at MC in Fall, 2007.
3. New transfer strudents who have an AA degree and have taken PC 169.
4. Renewing transfer students.


Also remember to file a financial aid form with the Financial Aid Office if you have not already done so.
FAFSA Form  (The MC FAFSA code is 006911)