Application

What is SEED?

The Scholars of Excellence in Engineering Design (SEED) program at Texas State University (TXST) will support two cohorts of talented, low-income, first-time-in-college (FTIC) domestic students with unmet financial needs who pursue an engineering degree at TXST by providing them scholarships to individual mentoring by a faculty member in their chosen major, and a suite of academic enrichment, career engagement, and talent development activities. It is expected the combination of these elements implemented in a culturally relevant environment will increase their self-efficacy, solidify their identity as engineering professionals, and promote their persistence toward degree completion.

Only students who meet all the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application will be considered by the review committee that will select the scholarship recipients. The scholarship will cover the student’s unmet financial need up to $15,000 per year. In this regard, the student’s unmet financial need is determined using a formula provided by NSF. Scholarship recipients who continue to meet the eligibility requirements and specified minimum GPA requirements during their studies at TXST can continue receiving the scholarship for up to three additional years.

Eligible Participants Must Be:

  • A citizen of the United States, a national of the United States, an alien admitted as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
  • Planning to pursue an engineering degree at the Ingram School of Engineering at Texas State University.
  • A FAFSA applicant that is eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
  • A student enrolling in a college/university for the first time.
  • A student with a high school GPA of at least 2.5/4.0.
  • Able to demonstrate academic ability or potential.

Who should apply to SEED?

FTIC students pursuing one of the following at Texas State University:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering

What to have ready for the application?

  • Personal Statement (max. 500 words)
  • CV/Resume
  • Transcripts
  • One Reference Letter
  • Upload your confirmation FAFSA page as a PDF file
  • Provide your TXST ID A-Number (starts with A0)
  • Provide a PDF copy of your Admission Letter to TXST (email or scanned copy)

Students with a current cumulative high school GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 must submit two of the seven evidence-based options listed below. Students with a current cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above must only submit one.

  1. A percentile rank in high school of 75% or higher (i.e., top 25% of their class) and two recommendation letters from math and/or science high school teachers.
  2. Exemplary School Work. A sample of work that the applicant did and sets them apart from peers. The applicant must include a personal statement explaining the exemplary schoolwork.
  3. Exemplary Academic Achievement. Evidence of exceptional academic accomplishment within the last two years – i.e., received an academic scholarship, an official distinguishing academic award, and/or won an academic or co-curricular competition at the state, regional, national, or international level. The applicant must provide a copy of the award letter or other evidence and a personal statement explaining the significance of the exemplary achievement or competition.
  4. Dual Enrollment. Completing one or more dual credit-earning college courses with a “B” or better grade while in high school.
  5. Exceptional Test Scores. Identified as gifted or highly talented as evidenced by nationally standardized intelligence or achievement test scores: comprehensive or subtest score. Applicants must have scored in the top 25% on standardized test scores within the last two years.
  6. Accelerated Learning. Grade or content area accelerated by at least one year in high school. The applicant must provide official documentation showing evidence of content acceleration within grade and one referral letter confirming successful progress and academic achievement.
  7. Formal Identification of Exemplar Talent. Formally identified as “gifted” and successfully participated in gifted programming. Applicant must provide a copy of an acceptance letter and the latest progress report for gifted programming. For students in an area where a program is not available, a verification letter on letterhead from an appropriate gifted coordinator and/or administrator can be submitted.

Where to apply:

  • Applications are made through the NSF-ETAP portal
  • Application window: Feb. 14th – May 11th, 2024
  • Questions: seed@txstate.edu

 

 

 


Sponsored by the National Science Foundation 2024-2029