Scholarship Opportunity for TAMIU Students Nears March Deadline

The National Science Foundation recently awarded Texas A&M International University a $400,000, four-year grant, which will supply $3,125 per year in scholarships to each qualified student interested in the fields of computer science, pre-engineering and mathematics.

The deadline to apply for this assistance is March 15 of each year. Students must show academic promise, as measured by SAT scores, GPA, rank in school, faculty recommendation and related academic activities. Students must also be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, and demonstrate financial need. More information and on-line forms are available at http://www.tamiu.edu/coas/depts/scholar.htm.

Dr. En-Bing Lin, chair of the Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, said this was the first time TAMIU has received such a grant from the NSF. He said the grant provides for the creation of the South Texas Border Mathematics and Pre-Engineering Graduates Program (STBMPEG), designed to help regional students pursue these important fields of study with both financial assistance and academic support.

"This award offers students more than just the tuition necessary to pursue their dreams. We also provide academic support to recipients, in the form of mentoring and advising. We will be developing a peer-tutoring program, specifically for these award recipients. These crucial and important subjects will be more accessible, and participants will know where to turn to if they need assistance," explained Dr. Lin.

He said many career opportunities in these fields are available, offering an exciting diversity of possibilities after graduation.

"I highly recommend that students study the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Handbook on-line (http://www.bls.gov/oco) and see the kind of work each of these subjects offers," said Lin, "Engineers are in demand in such diverse fields as aerospace and the environment. Those who study mathematics may find work solving economic, scientific or even business problems. Computer science is obviously very important, and there is a great need for people trained in this area for the ever-more global technological society."

For more information about the STBMPEG, please visit the website at http://www.tamiu.edu/coas/depts/scholar.htm.

You may also contact the Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at 326-2440, visit offices in the Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall, room 301 or e-mail elin@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday-Friday.