CU-Thrive in STEM Scholarship Program
Applications for Fall 2025 applicants are now available in your application portal.
Money for college and a whole lot more!
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) Program addresses the nation’s need for a high-quality STEM workforce. In Fall 2023, Commonwealth University was awarded a $2.5 million NSF S-STEM grant that funds the CU-THRIVE in STEM program. CU-THRIVE provides a Targeted, Holistic Roadmap for Inclusive, Valuable Education for high-achieving first-time full-time students in qualifying STEM majors across CU’s three campuses. During the 2024-25 academic year, scholarships will be available to 12-13 scholars.
Program Supports
As a CU-THRIVE scholar, you will benefit from unique financial, academic, and professional supports that prepare you for success both at CU and in your chosen STEM career.
Up to $15,000 per year for four years
CU-THRIVE scholars receive up to $15,000 per year to fill unmet financial need (don’t forget to file your FAFSA so CU Financial Aid can calculate your need!). The funds go directly to tuition, fees, room and board, and other program expenses such as books. The scholarship is renewable for four years if you stay enrolled in a major in CU’s College of Health, Science and Technology, such as Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity; Electrical Engineering Technology; Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences; Mathematics; and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75.
Program Eligibility
- Applied Computer Science — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven
- Data Science
- Mobile and Game Application Development
- Web Development - Biology — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield
- Cellular Biology and Molecular Genomics
- Ecology and Environmental Conservation
- Fisheries (Mansfield only)
- Biology (B.A. B.S.)
- Marine Biology
- Natural History - Biomedical Sciences — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield
- Chemistry — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield
- Biochemistry
- Forensics
- Chemistry
- Natural Products - Computer Science — Bloomsburg
- Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity — Bloomsburg
- Electronics Engineering Technology — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven* | Mansfield*
- Engineering Physics — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven* | Mansfield*
- 3+2 Engineering - Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geography and Environmental Planning (Bloomsburg only)
- GIS and Spatial Analysis (Bloomsburg only)
- Professional Geology (Bloomsburg only) - Mathematics — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield
- Applied Mathematics - Radiation and Health Physics — Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield
* Available as a 2+2 program at Lock Haven and Mansfield
For full consideration completed applications should be received by March 1, 2025. A completed application form, verification of financial need, proof of enrollment, essay, and recommendation letters must be submitted before applications will be considered.
Awardees will be notified after May 1st.
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or refugees.
- Incoming first-time full time students in a qualifying degree program College of Health, Science, and Technology at any CU campus.
- High school seniors demonstrating high achievement based on H.S. GPA (3.0 and above). CU-THRIVE will also consider ACT score, advanced coursework, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants also need to:
- Complete a FAFSA, and indicate CU as a prospective school so we can receive a copy of your results (needed in order to evaluation applications).
- Have demonstrated unmet financial need, and meet the State System definition of Low Income.
- Write an essay describing their career goals and need for the scholarship
- Submit a copy of their high school transcript
- Provide contact information for two teachers, school administrators or other adults who can write a recommendation speaking to your talent, focus, and drive.
Summer bridge program
Start your college experience on the right track! CU-THRIVE scholars get a one-week head start on college as they lay the groundwork for a multi-year service learning project, refresh their math skills, and attend workshops with successful students in STEM majors.
Faculty Mentors
CU-THRIVE scholars will meet regularly with a faculty mentor in their discipline. Mentors are an approachable resource for all sorts of help and questions. They will get to know scholars’ interests and career goals and provide encouragement, support, and guidance as scholars progress through their majors.
Professional Experience Grant
CU Professional Experience Grants (PEGS) help defray the cost of professional experiences such as unpaid internships, conference travel, trainings, and faculty-mentored research that you might otherwise not be able to afford. CU-THRIVE Scholars will receive a $4,000 PEG and work with their mentors to determine the use that best aligns with their interests and career goals.
Service Learning
Scholars will put their skills and interests to use on a service learning project helping local watershed organizations monitor conditions in the watershed. Students will analyze data and present their results to the community.
CU-THRIVE Scholars Academy
The CU-THRIVE Scholars Academy will help scholars feel comfortable from day one as they get to know fellow scholars, enjoy a personalized introduction to campus and classrooms, and meet some of their professors. The Scholars Academy will also discuss time management, how to deal with stress, how to plan out classes and register for Spring, and ways to take advantage of all the opportunities available to start preparing for professional life AFTER your time with Commonwealth U. Scholars will receive support not only from the faculty director, but also peer mentors, who are always available to offer good advice and a sympathetic ear.
Professional U Career Development
A CU Professional U STEM-dedicated career development specialist will be involved throughout the program. The development specialist will help scholars utilize available resources, capitalize on professional development opportunities, and prepare for and obtain well-paying STEM jobs and rewarding careers.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2322581. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Project Management Team
Associate Professor of Biology & Chair of the Biological and Health Sciences Department
- Bloomsburg
Associate Professor of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
- Bloomsburg
