On RAMP to STEM NSF S-STEM Scholarships
FALL 2017-SPRING 2018 are the final year of funding.
Funded by the NSF’s S-STEM program
NSF: National Science Foundation
S-STEM: Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
On RAMP: Retention and Achievement through Math Prowess
Students majoring in life sciences, biotechnology, mathematics or other stem disciplines and students interested in the interdisciplinary nature of biology should apply.
Qualified students will receive scholarships for up to 15 credits to attend Montgomery College in Fall 2017 with a partial award for Spring 2018 contingent upon funding.
All scholarship recipients will get to participate in the On RAMP to STEM seminar. Tuesday afternoons 3:30 - 5 p.m. on the Rockville Campus. Be a part of this exciting cohort!
Application Deadline-May 15, 2017
For more information on the application process see “Scholarship Requirement” and On RAMP TO STEM Application FALL - (2017) .
There are tremendous career opportunities for life science students who have strong quantitative skills. On RAMP to STEM scholarship recipients will learn about the interdisciplinary nature of current biological research which integrates biology, mathematics, and computer science. Through a required seminar students will explore biological applications of mathematical topics, build their quantitative skills, and learn about cutting edge biological research in spheres such as molecular modeling, systems physiology and bioinformatics which are all components of the emerging discipline of computational biology. Through the skills and the insights they will gain, On RAMP to STEM scholars will be better prepared for high demand careers in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and environmental studies.
On-RAMP to STEM will provide students interested in life sciences, biotechnology, mathematics and the interdisciplinary nature of bioscience research with academic and financial support to succeed at Montgomery College.
Montgomery College is able to offer this unique opportunity to its students through funding from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) S-STEM program. The S-STEM program was established by the National Science Foundation in accordance with the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998. The Act reflects the national need to substantially increase the number of American scientists and engineers. The S-STEM program emphasizes the importance of recruiting students to STEM disciplines, mentoring and supporting students through degree completion, and partnering with employers to facilitate student career placement in STEM fields.
On RAMP to STEM will offer full scholarships up to 15 credits for the Fall 2017 semester for qualified students. Up to 125 of these scholarships will be awarded over the course of six years, 2013 – 2018. Through the On RAMP to STEM program scholars will be well prepared to understand contemporary approaches to research in the biosciences, to transfer to four year institutions, and to effectively contribute to occupations in life science fields.
Principal Investigator, Ms. Jennifer Capparella , professor of biology and Chemical and Biological Sciences Department Chair at Montgomery College, Germantown .
Co Principal Investigator, Dr. Collins Jones, professor of biotechnology and coordinator for the Biotechnology Program at Montgomery College, works closely with local biotechnology industries, keeping abreast of current research approaches and findings.
Co Principal Investigator, Dr. Zineddine Boudhraa, professor of mathematics, has an extensive background in modeling with mathematical software.
Co Principal Investigator, Margaret Latimer, Vice President and Provost, Germantown, brings a background in bioengineering and mathematics faculty experience.
Co Principal Investigator, Dr. Jennifer Hill, Associate Professor of Biology, has a background in neuroscience with a focus on molecular and cell biology as well as developmental genetics.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2017
Application document and requirements
Application Requirements:
1. Citizenship - U .S. citizenship, permanent resident, national, or admitted alien
or refugee status. (No separate documentation needed. The FAFSA form described below
in #2 will include verification of citizenship status.)
2. Financial Need Documentation - Financial need documentation, defined for undergraduate
students by the U.S. Department of Education rules for need-based Federal financial
aid. Please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
The MC code is 006911. Please contact Patricia Lopez at Patricia.Lopez@montgomerycollege.edu
if you have any questions. Student must be eligible for need-based federal financial
aid to receive a scholarship.
3. Personal Information Form - See “Application Documents”
4. Most recent transcript (An unofficial transcript is acceptable. MC applicants must
have a minimum of 2.8 GPA)
5. Essay – See “Application Documents”
6. Teacher Recommendation – See “Application Documents”
7. SAT/ACT and/or Accuplacer Placement Test scores if available
A printable application booklet is available: On RAMP TO STEM Application FALL - 2017 (PDF, 
)
Application Deadline is May 15, 2017. No late applications will be considered. Completed FAFSA must be on file by May 15.
Submit application documents in a large envelope to:
Britney Green, Britney.Green@montgomerycollege.edu
240-567-7729
On-RAMP to STEM
20200 Observation Drive, BE 211
Montgomery College
Germantown, MD 20876
Scholarship Requirements:
Scholarships are renewed each semester based on student performance. This is the final
year of funding (Fall 2017-Spring 2018). Scholarships awarded for fall 2017 may be
extended for an additional semester with a partial award possible in spring 2018 contingent
upon funding.
1. Full time course load (at least 12 credits)
2. Regular attendance and participation in On RAMP to STEM seminar. Tuesday Afternoons
3:30 - 5 p.m. on the Rockville Campus.
3. Completion of On RAMP to STEM seminar requirements including reports and projects
4. Participation in advising and supplemental instruction opportunities
5. Maintenance of GPA (2.8 minimum)
6. Progress toward degree and toward transfer to a baccalaureate program
7. Eligibility for need-based federal financial aid.
For questions about the scholarship requirements please contact Ms. Jennifer Capparella at jennifer.capparella@montgomerycollege.edu.
Ms. Jennifer Capparella , On RAMP to STEM Principal Investigator, Professor of Biology,
Chemical and Biological Sciences Department Chair, Germantown
jennifer.capparella@montgomerycollege.edu
Margaret Latimer, On RAMP to STEM Co-Principal Investigator, Vice President and Provost, Germantown, brings a background in bioengineering and mathematics faculty experience.
margaret.latimer@montgomerycollege.edu
Dr. Beatrice Lauman, Academic Operations and Special Projects Director, Germantown
beatrice.lauman@montgomerycollege.edu
Dr. Collins Jones, On RAMP to STEM Co-Principal Investigator, Professor of Biotechnology, and Coordinator of the Montgomery College Biotechnology Program, Germantown
collins.jones@montgomerycollege.edu
Dr. Jennifer Hill, Co Principal Investigator, Associate Professor of Biology, has a background in neuroscience with a focus on molecular and cell biology as well as developmental genetics.
jennifer.hill@montgomerycollege.edu
Dr. Zineddine Boudhraa, On RAMP to STEM Co-Principal Investigator, Professor of Mathematics, Rockville