S-STEM/TRAIN Program

S-STEM/TRAIN Program

Application Information for Fall 2024

Please note that the S-STEM/TRAIN program for SMCC only is accepting applications thru May 15, 2024.  PC and GCC are not accepting applications for the Fall 2024 term.  Please read the information below and apply ASAP if interested.

S-STEM/TRAIN Scholarship Program General Information

The NSF Funded Transfer to Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences (TRAIN) Program is a partnership with Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, South Mountain Community College, and Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the West Campus. This S-STEM Scholarship program is intended for students who are interested in majoring in the STEM disciplines detailed below. This program will provide scholarship assistance of up to $5,000/semester and can be renewed through a re-application process,  as funding allows. In addition to financial assistance, this program will provide access to mentorship and project or internship experiences.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be seeking a degree or career in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Computing, or Mathematics (AS, AAS, AGEC-S, MAPP MyPath2ASU™, BA, BS) 
  • Applicants must be full time students at Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, or South Mountain Community College
  • Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Applicants must complete the current FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov)  - please include the FAFSA Student Aid Report print out (Student Aid Report online - 5 page PDF document).
  • Applicants must be willing to participate in either an internship or an alternative cohort experience (to be approved by the Program Director) that reflects their academic goals.
  • Student goals that include health care practitioner endpoints (Medical Doctor, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Nurse, etc.) are not eligible for funding under this program.

Desired Applicant Qualifications (optional):

  • Volunteer, work or internship experience relevant to your field of study.
  • A strong course background in Mathematics and Science.
  • Meeting the prerequisite for MAT150, 151 or 152 (satisfactory score on District Placement Exam OR completion of MAT120, 121 or 122 with a “C” or better).
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Recipient Benefits:

  • Scholarship recipients will work with a Faculty Mentor in their subject area.
  • Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to complete an internship working closely with scientists to design and complete a research project (separate application). 

Required Documents:

  1. Completed application form (application links provided on the right side menu)
  2. Faculty Recommendation (indicate Faculty on the form, we will contact them directly via email after the deadline of supporting documents submission; you do not need an actual recommendation letter)
  3. Official College transcripts (visit One Stop Hannelly Center for more info) and possibly Official High School transcripts (if graduated from high school within last two years)
  4. District Mathematics College Placement Exam results (if transcripts do not demonstrate MAT151 eligibility)
  5. Copy of most current FAFSA (Student Aid Report - PDF 5 page document print out; make sure to confirm in person with PC Financial Aid office that student file is complete)

Transfer and Degree Information:

The TRAIN program has historically included a scholarship that starts at PC, GCC, or SMCC, and was continued after transfer.  If you are interested, we highly recommend that you declare a MAPP in one of these degree areas.  Funding for transfer continuation of new scholarship recipients has ended. For some existing awardees who have already applied for transfer, this scholarship will provide continuing support, after transfer, in the following degree programs:

Applied Computing - MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - Applied computing provides a foundation in computer science, combining technical computing skills with an understanding of the impact of computer science in real-world contexts.  The technical component of the applied computing program pertains to the design and use of appropriate systems and technologies while the social sciences component delves into understanding how people seek, obtain, evaluate, use and categorize information.  This degree is less math intense than computer science degrees, and is extremely flexible, and allows for the easy addition of a minor or double major.

Applied Math - MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - Applied mathematics is an interdisciplinary program that provides a broad and rigorous foundation in applied mathematics. It includes a foundation in computing and statistics as well as both theoretical and applied mathematics.  The program emphasizes quantitative problem-solving and critical thinking through courses that expose students to a variety of mathematical theories, techniques and applications currently used by analysts and researchers in government, industry and nonprofit organizations

Statistics - MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - Statisticians collect, analyze and interpret data from experiments and surveys. Their work is critical in helping individuals and organizations better understand the information contained in the data.  Emphasizing the practical application of statistics, this program builds upon the foundation of mathematics and computing to study concepts in theoretical and applied statistics.  This program is the only Bachelor of Science degree in statistics in the state of Arizona.

Biology (with a certificate in Biomedical Research) - MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - The biology program, with an emphasis in the natural sciences, examines these disciplines through experiential learning, and all of the program's core courses include laboratories. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the connectedness of the life sciences, students gain a better understanding of larger scientific concepts and can view these concepts from multiple perspectives.  Students are encouraged to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or during internships. Some even publish in top journals and present their results at scientific meetings.

Pharmacology and Toxicology - MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - This program provides the conceptual foundation for understanding the interactions of chemicals in the biological system. The degree approaches the study of biology and chemistry in an integrative fashion, giving students the breadth and depth to comprehend the physiological, molecular and cellular mechanisms of drug and toxicant action. The degree utilizes experiential learning, and all required core courses have laboratories. Undergraduates have the opportunity to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or in internships outside the school.

Biotech and Bioenterprise – Use Biology MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - This program provides students with essential transdisciplinary and practical experience in biotechnology research. Students will acquire the associated business and entrepreneurship skills needed to develop and market biotechnological innovations and solutions to problems facing the biotechnology and health sciences communities in Arizona, the nation and beyond. The program emphasizes coursework in the biological, biomolecular and biotechnological sciences, which are key components that underpin biotechnology. Students will be able to tailor the degree to their specific interests and aspirations through focus areas in biotechnology, bioenterpreneurship and biostatistics. The program is unique due to its focus on blending biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

Environmental Science - MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - The environmental science program prepares students to pursue careers in environmental science, including but not limited to positions with federal and state agencies, private consulting firms, nongovernment organizations and academic research environments. The curriculum emphasizes many aspects of biological study including molecular, organismal and ecosystem biology and is backed by a strong foundation in chemistry, statistics and geographic information systems. The program also focuses on written communication and management skills that will prepare graduates for the multifaceted, transdisciplinary aspects of their careers in environmental science.

Forensic Science – Use Biology MAPP MyPath2ASU™, MAP - The forensics concentration emphasizes the study of scientific techniques used to solve crimes. Students pursuing the forensics concentration will take a more forensics-relevant set of courses than those students pursuing the BS in biology.  This degree uses the biology core curriculum with labs, including two semesters of introductory Biology (181 and 182), genetics, cell biology, adds biochemistry, and thirty six hours of Chemistry.  Additional requirements include Forensic Science courses which focus on toxicology, genetics, anthropology, in addition to industry-focused courses such as professional practices.  

If you are finished at PC, GCC, or SMCC and ready to transfer to ASU NCIAS, here is the university application link:  https://newcollege.asu.edu/steam-learning/efforts