Department of Mathematics
ISU S-STEM Scholarships
in
Secondary Mathematics Education
Scholarship Application Form
The ISU S-STEM Scholarship is an award designed to support academically talented undergraduate secondary mathematics education students of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. S-STEM Scholars will be required to participate in mentoring and seminar activities during the academic year and will be expected to mentor fellow scholars after their first year in the program. Scholars must maintain high academic standards in order to remain in the program, as well as fulfilling program requirements, including participating in semi-monthly seminars (non-credit) designed to facilitate their success as students, mentors and future teachers.
The S-STEM scholarship is per academic year, and the amount awarded will be based on this application in conjunction with the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required to determine financial need and is submitted separately, and the Illinois State University application. S-STEM Scholars who start in Fall 2011 will retain their scholarships [for up to four semesters] as long as they maintain a 3.00 or better GPA, participate in required S-STEM Program activities, and earn an average of at least 12 credit hours per semester. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for S-STEM Scholarships. Scholarship recipients who change to a major outside of secondary mathematics education will relinquish the remainder of the scholarship.
The S-STEM scholarship application packet consists of:
· This application form completed by the applicant (sent by applicant)
· An essay answer to a question about your motivation to become a secondary mathematics teacher and why you should receive a scholarship (sent by applicant)
· Two letters of recommendations with the applicant recommendation form completed [for in-coming freshmen & transfer students]. At least one of the letters should be from an instructor familiar with your mathematical abilities and suitability for the secondary mathematics education program (sent by recommenders)
All application materials are DUE by April 29, 2011. However, the ISU S-STEM Scholarship Committee will continue to look at applications until all available scholarships have been awarded. The FASFA should be completed ASAP!
Send all application materials to: ISU S-STEM Scholarships
c/o Professor Saad El-Zanati
Department of Mathematics
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4520
1. Name
Last First Middle
2. ISU E-Mail Address
3. ISU ID #
4. Telephone numbers: Home ( ) - ; Mobile ( ) - .
5. Mailing Address
6. High School
7. List the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of two of your teachers or other qualified persons who will submit a letter of recommendation and comment on your capabilities in mathematics. Do not send the letters of recommendation yourself.
8. Essay: An important part of this application is the essay section where you give your motivation to become a secondary mathematics teacher and a rationale for why you should be awarded an ISU S-STEM Scholarship. Place your name and ISU student number at the top of the page. The essay must be typed and is limited to about 300 words. The essay should describe your interests and experiences, as they relate to mathematics and mathematics education. This essay may contain any additional information that you consider relevant to your application. Attach your essay to this application.
With my signature I certify that the application information is true to the best of my knowledge and that I am a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. I duly acknowledge that failure to provide truthful information could result in the rejection of my application and possible termination from the program.
Signature: Date:
S-STEM Recommendation Form
Applicant Page
(Incoming Freshmen & Transfers Only)
Instructions to Applicant:
Give both pages of the recommendation form to individuals (no relatives) who can attest to your academic achievements, your potential for academic success in the secondary mathematics education undergraduate program, and promise for success as a secondary mathematics teacher. At least one recommendation should be from a mathematics teacher.
This page of the form should be completed by the applicant for each recommender. Page 2 of this form should be completed by the recommender and attached to a separate Letter of Recommendation printed on official letterhead. Copies of these forms can be made.
Applicant: Print Your Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial Below
In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may waive your right to inspect this recommendation. Should you decide not to waive the right, you will have access to the recommendation if you enroll in the ISU S-STEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education Program. Please check the appropriate box and sign below. Failing to check the appropriate box will automatically waive your access to view this recommendation.
5 I hereby waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature Date
5 I hereby do not waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature Date
S-STEM Recommendation Form
Recommender Page
(Incoming Freshmen & Transfers Only)
Instructions to Recommender:
We appreciate your willingness to serve as a reference for this student who is applying to the ISU S-STEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education Program, funded by the National Science Foundation. This scholarship is seeking to support students who will be able to successfully fulfill the scholastic requirements of the program and have unmet financial need with respect to starting and completing an undergraduate degree in secondary mathematics education.
Please attach both pages of the form (Applicant and Recommender) to a separate Letter of Recommendation on official letterhead detailing the candidate’s qualifications. Seal it, sign across the seal, place in a mailing envelope and mail it directly to: ISU S-STEM Scholarships
c/o Professor Saad El-Zanati
Department of Mathematics
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4520
Recommender: Please Print the Information Requested Below
How Long Have You Known This Applicant? Your Email Address:
Print Your Name Position or Title
Relationship to Applicant Daytime Phone Number
Mailing Address City State/Zip
This recommendation form and the accompanying letter must be received by April 29, 2011.
Please compose a separate letter of recommendation printed on university, high school or agency letterhead that addresses one or more of the following topics:
· The applicant’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of knowledge, attitude, skills and character.
· The applicant’s potential as a successful mentor and leader.
· The applicant’s ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds.
· Why you believe the applicant can succeed as a secondary mathematics education major.
· If possible, please limit the letter to one page.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature Date
S-STEM Recommendation Form
Applicant Page
(Incoming Freshmen & Transfers Only)
Instructions to Applicant:
Give both pages of the recommendation form to individuals (no relatives) who can attest to your academic achievements, your potential for academic success in the secondary mathematics education undergraduate program, and promise for success as a secondary mathematics teacher. At least one recommendation should be from a mathematics teacher.
This page of the form should be completed by the applicant for each recommender. Page 2 of this form should be completed by the recommender and attached to a separate Letter of Recommendation printed on official letterhead. Copies of these forms can be made.
Applicant: Print Your Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial Below
In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may waive your right to inspect this recommendation. Should you decide not to waive the right, you will have access to the recommendation if you enroll in the ISU S-STEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education Program. Please check the appropriate box and sign below. Failing to check the appropriate box will automatically waive your access to view this recommendation.
5 I hereby waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature Date
5 I hereby do not waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature Date
S-STEM Recommendation Form
Recommender Page
(Incoming Freshmen & Transfers Only)
Instructions to Recommender:
We appreciate your willingness to serve as a reference for this student who is applying to the ISU S-STEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education Program, funded by the National Science Foundation. This scholarship is seeking to support students who will be able to successfully fulfill the scholastic requirements of the program and have unmet financial need with respect to starting and completing an undergraduate degree in secondary mathematics education.
Please attach both pages of the form (Applicant and Recommender) to a separate Letter of Recommendation on official letterhead detailing the candidate’s qualifications. Seal it, sign across the seal, place in a mailing envelope and mail it directly to: ISU S-STEM Scholarships
c/o Professor Saad El-Zanati
Department of Mathematics
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4520
Recommender: Please Print the Information Requested Below
How Long Have You Known This Applicant? Your Email Address:
Print Your Name Position or Title
Relationship to Applicant Daytime Phone Number
Mailing Address City State/Zip
This recommendation form and the accompanying letter must be received by April 29, 2011.
Please compose a separate letter of recommendation printed on university, high school or agency letterhead that addresses one or more of the following topics:
· The applicant’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of knowledge, attitude, skills and character.
· The applicant’s potential as a successful mentor and leader.
· The applicant’s ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds.
· Why you believe the applicant can succeed as a secondary mathematics education major.
· If possible, please limit the letter to one page.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature Date
S-STEM Initial Application Essay Question
Name:
ISU ID #:
What is motivating you to major in secondary mathematics education and why should you receive one the ISU S-STEM Scholarships?
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.