HBCU Masters STEM Scholarship

Investing in the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Kentucky State University is committed to preparing the next generation of innovators, researchers, educators, scientists, engineers, and technology professionals who will lead Kentucky, the nation, and the world. The HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship was established to remove financial barriers for exceptional students pursuing graduate education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines while strengthening the University's commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and community engagement.
This prestigious scholarship recognizes graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving their communities. The scholarship is designed to encourage talented students to continue their education at Kentucky State University while contributing to the University's mission of developing leaders who create meaningful change through education, research, and service.
Recipients of the HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship become ambassadors for Kentucky State University and are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, professionalism, leadership, and civic responsibility throughout their graduate studies.

Scholarship Benefits

The HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship provides tuition assistance to eligible graduate students enrolled in approved STEM-related master's degree programs at Kentucky State University.
Scholarship funds are applied directly toward tuition costs. Students remain responsible for other educational expenses, including but not limited to:
• University fees
• Books and instructional materials
• Housing
• Meals
• Transportation
• Personal expenses
• Other educational costs not covered by the scholarship
Scholarship awards are contingent upon available funding and continued eligibility.

Eligible Graduate Programs

The scholarship is available to students admitted into approved STEM-related graduate degree programs offered by Kentucky State University. Eligible programs may include, but are not limited to:
• Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences
• Master of Science in Environmental Studies
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Other approved STEM-related graduate programs as designated by the Office of Graduate Studies
• Doctorate of Nursing Practice

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be considered for the HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship:
• Be admitted to an eligible Kentucky State University graduate STEM program.
• Be classified as a domestic residential student.
• Maintain enrollment as required by the graduate program.
• Possess a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.30.
• Meet all graduate admission requirements established by Kentucky State University.
• Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
• Agree to participate in required community engagement activities.
• Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing throughout the award period.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection, as scholarship awards are competitive and dependent upon available funding.

Application Process

Students interested in the HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship must complete the following steps:
1. Apply and be admitted to an eligible Kentucky State University STEM-related graduate program.
2. Complete the HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship Application.
3. Submit all required application materials before the published deadline.
4. Provide official academic transcripts documenting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30.
5. Submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements, research, leadership, employment, volunteer service, and extracurricular involvement.
6. Submit a personal statement describing:
o Career goals
o Interest in a STEM profession
o Commitment to leadership and community service
o Reasons for pursuing graduate education at Kentucky State University
7. Provide two letters of recommendation from faculty members, employers, or professional mentors.
8. Participate in an interview if requested by the scholarship committee.
The Graduate Scholarship Committee will evaluate applicants based on academic achievement, leadership, professional potential, service, and overall fit with the scholarship's mission.

Community Engagement Requirement

The HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship is founded on the belief that leadership extends beyond the classroom.
Each scholarship recipient must complete a minimum of 20 hours of documented community service (On or Off campus) each academic semester.
Community service may include:
• STEM outreach activities
• K–12 mentoring or tutoring
• Service-learning projects
• Community-based research
• University recruitment events
• Graduate Studies events
• Campus volunteer opportunities
• Approved nonprofit or civic engagement projects
• Other community service opportunities approved by the Office of Graduate Studies
Students must submit documentation verifying completion of all required service hours before the conclusion of each semester.

Maintaining the Scholarship

Recipients are expected to remain in excellent academic standing and actively contribute to the Kentucky State University community.
To maintain the scholarship, recipients must:
• Maintain a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.30.
• Successfully complete coursework in accordance with their graduate program requirements.
• Remain continuously enrolled unless an approved leave of absence has been granted.
• Complete the required 20 hours of community service each semester.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Comply with all Kentucky State University policies and procedures.
Failure to meet these expectations may result in scholarship review.

Loss of Scholarship Eligibility

The HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship may be suspended or revoked if a recipient fails to meet scholarship expectations.
Grounds for loss of the scholarship include:
• Failure to maintain the required 3.30 cumulative graduate GPA.
• Academic probation or failure to make satisfactory academic progress.
• Failure to complete the required 20 hours of community service during any semester.
• Violation of the Kentucky State University Student Code of Conduct.
• Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating.
• Serious disciplinary infractions.
• Dismissal or suspension from the University.
• Withdrawal from an eligible STEM graduate program.
• Providing false or misleading information during the application process.
Students who lose scholarship eligibility may be required to reapply should future funding become available.

Scholarship Recipient Expectations

Recipients of the HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship are expected to serve as representatives of Kentucky State University by demonstrating:
• Academic excellence
• Professional leadership
• Ethical decision-making
• Service to others
• Commitment to research and innovation
• Active participation in Graduate Studies initiatives
• Support of recruitment and outreach efforts
• Dedication to advancing STEM education and workforce development
Recipients may also be invited to participate in university events, research showcases, donor recognition activities, student mentoring, and Graduate Studies recruitment programs.

Building the Future Through STEM

The HBCU Master's STEM Scholarship represents Kentucky State University's investment in developing highly skilled graduate professionals who will expand scientific discovery, strengthen communities, and address the complex challenges facing society. By supporting talented graduate students in STEM disciplines, the University continues its historic mission of providing transformational educational opportunities while preparing graduates to become innovators, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who create lasting impact across Kentucky, the nation, and the global community