USM STEM Scholars Program
Start your journey toward a STEM career with the Aspire to Succeed STEM Scholarship program at the 花椒直播.
Aspire to Succeed
The 花椒直播 is a great place to start your journey toward a career in STEM! Benefit from personal attention from experts in the STEM fields, professional conferences, research, and a competitive STEM scholarship
Why STEM at USM
1-on-1 Attention
You鈥檙e not in a lecture hall with 200 other students. At USM, our student-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Research, Internships, and Conferences
Curious? Our faculty are, too. Learn how research is done, and get the hands-on experience you need to excel as a STEM student and professional.
Faculty & Peer Mentoring
Whether you have a question about homework or you want to know about graduate school, USM science, technology, and math students meet regularly with our faculty.
Choose Your Major
Explore Life Sciences
Be a Biology Major
As a biology major at USM, you鈥檒l master the scientific method by learning how to ask essential questions, analyze key data, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. You鈥檙e understanding of the natural world will grow 鈥� learning how living things work, interact, and evolve.
Be a Problem Solver
The Potential of Mathematics
USM math majors gain problem solving skills, a strong understanding of mathematical theory, and knowledge of new math and technological tools. You discover the essence of not only the basics, but the true value of critical analysis, geometric design, statistical analysis, and algebraic systems
Major in Chemistry
Study the building blocks of our lives
USM鈥檚 program: Covers the fundamentals of theoretical and experimental chemistry; Explores hands-on experience with analysis, synthesis, and extensive lab work; You can explore the specific type of chemistry you want to learn through a variety of elective classes.
Pursue a Career in Engineering
Build your future
In the USM Applied Mathematics-Pre Engineering program, you鈥檒l develop the skills necessary to pursue a career in engineering. Enjoy a convenient 3+2 partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City allows you to benefit both from USM's unparalleled one-on-one attention and UMKC's expert engineering faculty. Graduate the program with two degrees: Applied Mathematics and Engineering. Complete your general education courses and initial advanced mathematics courses in USM's small classes.Apply to be a USM STEM Scholar
Earn a $15,000 Scholarship, renewable annually. Complete the form below to apply.
TOP 4 Reasons to Choose STEM
1. Demand
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected STEM employment to grow to more than 10.7 million between 2019 and 2029鈥攁n 8-percent growth rate.
Locally, the need for STEM workers with at least a bachelor's degree is expected to similarly grow. A May 2015 study of the Kansas City area STEM industry and workforce showed that the Kansas City area had 7.1% STEM employment compared to 6.2% nationally.
What's more, Kansas City area STEM companies are increasingly concerned about the growing difficulty in finding highly qualified employees.
2. Challenge
Technology is changing every day鈥攎ore like every minute. As a STEM student and professional, you鈥檒l constantly be challenged to think critically, explore real-world problems, and offer creative solutions.
3. Impact
STEM drives the nation鈥檚 innovation by generating new ideas, new companies, and new industries. You鈥檒l be playing a role in that innovation of our new world.
4. Salary
STEM degree holders enjoy higher earnings. Nationally, the average pay for STEM jobs in 2019 was $86,980, while for non-STEM jobs, the average was $38,160.
Questions? Contact Admissions
Meet Zaira Spencer
Zaira.Spencer@stmary.edu
913-758-6305
Admissions tip: Do not fear the uncomfortability of being an adult. With righteous guidance and a loving community, this is how you will grow into the person you are meant to be. Lastly, never forget who you are.
I work with incoming students from Kansas (excluding Wyandotte County), as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
About me: I joined the 花椒直播 Admissions team in 2024. I am from Kaneohe, Hawai鈥檌 and a 花椒直播 graduate with a Bachelor鈥檚 in Psychology and a minor in both criminology and theology. My passions include advocacy, health and fitness, and exercising my faith in everything I do!
"I love the diversity that this campus brings being that I am someone very far away from home! In addition, I appreciate that I have had the most supporting teachers and advisors that helped me in my journey."
Meet Cara Feuerborn
Cara.Feuerborn@stmary.edu
913-758-4316
Admissions tip: Don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people. Everyone gets nervous about
meeting new people and being in a new place. You are not alone!
Why I value USM: At the 花椒直播, the staff and faculty really know you and will do
anything they can to help you reach your goals!
I work with incoming freshmen from Missouri or Wyandotte County, Kansas, as well as Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
About me: I joined the 花椒直播 Admissions team in 2023. I grew up in Edmond, Okla., and attended Oklahoma State University. I completed a Bachelor's degree in Non-Profit Management with a minor in Human Resources. I love going to farmer's markets and antique stores!
"I love the community at 花椒直播! From the day I walked in the door I have felt so welcomed and supported. Faculty and Staff want to see students succeed and will help in whatever way they can."
Current and Past STEM Activities
Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Research Forum
An annual conference hosted by the 花椒直播 that features a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, undergraduate research poster presentations, and a career fair.
STEM Week
Like Shark Week but for STEM, this event takes place during the last week of October. Notable past events included a giant catapult that launched pumpkins into the campus pond and a chemistry magic show.
2015-16 STEM Scholars Program Report
2016-17 STEM Scholars Program Report
2017-18 STEM Scholars Program Report
2018-19 STEM Scholars Program Report
2019-20 STEM Scholars Program Report
STEM Scholars Program Outcomes Report