Military students in a biology class

What is STEM Bound?

The goal of the STEM Bound program is to support students at Pierce College in demographics that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. We hope to encourage these students to pursue their dreams of a career in STEM through financial support, advising from STEM faculty on both academic and career goals, and quarterly activities that build leadership skills, peer support and a greater knowledge of the opportunities available in the world of STEM.

Why STEM?

STEM includes jobs in thousands of fields, working everywhere from a national forest to the inside of a lab; directly working with people in your community every day to spending long hours in quiet research; and creative thinking and innovation to in-depth data analysis. The skills you learn in a STEM pathway at Pierce can apply to many advanced degree and career paths, but are also universally beneficial in life, such as problem-solving, design thinking and lifelong learning.

The Scholarship

If accepted to STEM Bound, you will receive a quarterly (doesn’t include summer) scholarship of $500 that can be applied to any and all financial needs, such as textbooks, childcare, lab fees and tuition (total of $1500/year if you are accepted and maintain eligibility; this can be renewed annually as long as eligibility continues to apply).

To keep getting the scholarship, you must continue to meet all of the eligibility requirements below, plus complete the following activities:

  • Meet with your assigned STEM Bound advisor twice each quarter
  • Meet with other STEM students in planned activities as scheduled

Eligibility

  • Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each quarter at Pierce College
  • Be pursuing a degree in a STEM Pathway
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA
  • Priority is given to students who are demographically underrepresented in STEM pathways and careers. This includes students who are Native American, African American, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, first-generation college students, and/or who are parents with dependent children.

How to Apply

  • Apply to and enroll in Pierce College
  • Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) Application
  • Register for classes
  • Complete a scholarship application through the Student Financial Aid Portal
  • When completing your profile, be sure to complete the optional questions related to STEM Bound, and to select a STEM pathway degree

Questions?

Please contact Makerspace and STEAM Specialist, Stella Kemper, with any questions, at skemper@pierce.ctc.edu.

Resources

From the USA Bureau of Labor Statistics: