STEM Scholars | Hendrix College

STEM Scholars

To be considered for 2027, apply to Hendrix and the STEM Scholars Program by December 1, 2026.
Apply Now
What is the STEM Scholars Program?

Through the generous support of the National Science Foundation (NSF Award 2322521), the Hendrix College STEM Scholars program provides scholarships and exciting opportunities to Pell-eligible students majoring in a Hendrix STEM discipline: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemical physics, and environmental studies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to be a STEM Scholar?
You must be a domestic student who is a US citizen, national, permanent resident, or refugee.
You must be Pell Grant eligible.
You must be planning to major in an S-STEM-eligible discipline: Biology (excluding clinical medicine), Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, or be enrolled in the dual-degree engineering program.
What is the timeline to be a STEM Scholar?
December 1: Hendrix Application & STEM Application deadline
January 1: FAFSA Submission Deadline (an updated FAFSA will be required each year for those accepted into the program)
February 1: Interview Notification (if selected)
February 23: Interviews during Headed Homedrix Admitted Student Day
Students selected for the program will receive the following benefits:
A scholarship of up to $15,000 renewable for four years. This scholarship is in addition to other scholarships and grants the student is eligible for from institutional, local, state, and federal sources.
Advising to identify summer research and internship opportunities, and funding to pursue these opportunities.
Individual mentoring and advising by members of the Hendrix science faculty.
Participation in a community with like-minded STEM students who will share:
orientation trips, coursework, and introductory classes,
a paid STEM-based community service project, and
a science themed living-learning community where you'll study, play, and live with one another
What does it mean to be a STEM Scholar?
The goal of the Hendrix STEM Scholars program is to recruit and train the next generation of STEM professionals in the South. Students who are the first in their families to attend college, are from low-income households, or who belong to historically minoritized and marginalized groups in science fields are particularly encouraged to apply for this program.
Why should I be part of the STEM Scholars program at Hendrix?
Twenty-one students participated in the STEM Scholars program under a previous NSF grant (NSF Award 2322521 ). Those students realized the following tangible outcomes:
95% graduated with a STEM degree.
More than 44 research projects were completed.
26 presentations were given at regional and national conferences at no cost to the students.
STEM Scholars were student authors on four peer-reviewed publications.
100% of STEM Scholars went on to active employment or further education.
Representative members of the previous cohort participated in structured interviews about the STEM Scholars program. Of the fourteen students interviewed,
100% mentioned that the program encouraged them to take a growth mindset (perceiving critical skills as learnable, not inherent),
100% felt a sense of belonging in the STEM Scholars program,
79% said they wanted to continue to be part of a community of scientists and researchers, and
93% felt comfortable seeking help from Hendrix faculty.
What if I have additional questions before applying?
Please email stemscholars@hendrix.edu and a member of the Leadership Team will answer your questions.
“STEM Scholars set me up for success after undergrad by providing countless resources and opportunities to grow as an individual, a student, and a young professional. The program also challenged me to grow and push my boundaries each year and helped me work through and overcome adversity when needed. Ultimately, the STEM Scholars program set me up for success in life beyond college.”

“Looking back, I think what meant the most to me was that this program provided me with a support group of both faculty and my fellow peers that made me feel like I belonged. There were many times where coursework was challenging...Being a part of STEM Scholars, I was constantly reminded that I deserved to be here, I was good enough, and that I didn’t have to struggle alone.”

“One professional opportunity I accessed through STEM Scholars was the National S-STEM Symposium in Washington, D.C. during my sophomore year. This conference allowed me to develop connections across the country, to learn about ways I could positively leverage my STEM Scholar experience, and to engage in professional develop through workshops and roundtable discussions.”
STEM Scholars

To be considered for 2027, apply to Hendrix and the STEM Scholars Program by December 1, 2026.
Apply Now
STEM Scholars Team

Courtney Hatch, 2008- Nancy and Craig Wood Odyssey Professor of Chemistry B.A., Hendrix College, 2000
Ph.D, University of Colorado, 2006

J.D. Gantz, 2018- Director of Faculty DevelopmentChair, Health Sciences ProgramAssociate Professor of Biology B.S., Mount Union College, 2010
M.S., Miami University, 2014
Ph.D., Miami University, 2018

Mark Goadrich, 2014- Professor of Computer Science B.A., Kenyon College, 1998
M.S., University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2000
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2007

Damon T. Spayde, 2007- Associate Provost for Faculty AffairsProfessor of Physics B.A., Grinnell College, 1995
M.A., University of Maryland, 2000
Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2001

Leslie Zorwick, 2007- Chair, Department of PsychologyProfessor of Psychology B.A., Emory University, 2000
M.A., The Ohio State University, 2003
Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2007
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