Normandale Community College, in partnership with the Normandale Community College Foundation has established the Normandale Academy of Mathematics and Science to support students majoring in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) specialties and students in the Normandale Teacher Education program who undertake studies aimed at becoming a secondary STEM educator, who are enrolled in at least 12 credits at Normandale Community College each semester. Students selected to participate in the cohort support program will be considered for a Normandale Community College Foundation Scholarship. Students will be considered based on the contents of their application packet, GPA, time remaining at Normandale and academic, personal and financial need. Application Deadline: May 31, 2018 Applications received after May 31 will be reviewed on a space available basis. Website: http://www.normandale.edu/ams Questions can be directed to: ams@normandale.edu Maria Clark, Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator maria.clark@normandale.edu or 952-358-8663 Charles Klepperich, Interim Academic Advisor charles.klepperich@normandale.edu or 952-358-8844 Who is eligible for the program? Any student recently accepted to or enrolled at Normandale Community College can apply as long as they: Are committed to pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or a teaching degree with a focus on secondary math or science education; Have a high school diploma or a GED; Have two current letters of recommendation; one from an instructor who is familiar with academic capabilities and another from a counselor/advisor or professional person who can attest to potential in chosen field of study; Are committed to program participation for approximately two academic years. What kind of student is sought out for the Academy? The Normandale Community College Academy of Math and Science is looking for students who have an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, particularly students who may need academic, social, developmental (in terms of student success) or financial support to succeed. In trying to meet the overwhelming shortages of math and science educators, we also seek students interested in becoming secondary math or science teachers. In doing so, we especially want to support populations historically underrepresented in STEM-related fields by targeting recruitment efforts on: Students of color Children of immigrant parents or students who are themselves immigrants Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds Students whose parents did not attend college Women interested in STEM domains
What are the participation requirements for scholarship recipients? Students who are accepted into the Normandale Academy of Math and Science: Agree to attend Normandale Community College for approximately two consecutive years following acceptance into the program; Agree to pursue a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or follow a teaching degree with a focus in (STEM) related education; Agree to maintain a competitive college GPA (3.0 or above is considered competitive in STEM-related fields); Agree to be enrolled full time (12 or more credits) at Normandale Community College each semester; Agree to attend all required Academy meetings; Agree to schedule and attend all individual meetings with their advisor; Agree to actively participate in all individual and cohort learning and developmental activities; Agree to actively participate in self and program assessments, during time in program, and after transfer. What is the mission of the Academy? The mission of the Academy is to: Leverage the strength of Normandale Community College in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and secondary education; Encourage students to explore STEM careers, including careers in medicine, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, engineering, computer science and careers as secondary STEM educators; Provide student support for students with an interest in STEM fields and/or with an aptitude for math and science; Provide a total commitment to each student s success; and Demonstrate tangible, measurable results. What are the Program s Keys to Success? The Academy of Math and Science provides student participants with the following keys to success: A Scholarship for each cohort member, based on financial need, and other aid received, to offset the cost of attending Normandale full time; An Advisor to provide academic, professional and personal support, mentoring, various resources, academic and student service coordination; A Cohort (a group of students) for peer support and to build a learning community, and A Student and Professional Success Skills Development Series (Curriculum) that includes modules on navigating higher education systems, time management, study skills development, test preparation, scholarly research and writing workshops, leadership development, career and personal development, financial management, college transfer preparation, scholarship and financial aid research workshops. Admittance into the Academy will be based on the cumulative results of the following criteria: High School diploma or GED (verified by transcripts or other official documentation); High School (and/or college) GPA (verified by transcripts), and/or commitment to maintain 3.0 GPA while in program; Letters of recommendation from at least one teacher (professor) with whom you have studied and/or a counselor/ advisor, or professional person such as an employer; Indicated potential and commitment as well as sincerity to pursue a career in STEM, demonstrated in student essay, and Demonstrated commitment to Academy participant criteria
Application Instructions o Apply to Normandale Community College. o Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. o Complete the Academy of Math and Science Application. o Write an essay according to the guidelines described below. o Obtain two letters of recommendation. There are two attached recommendation forms. Please give one to each of your references. One must be from a teacher with whom you have studied. The other can be from another teacher, a counselor, an advisor, or professional person such as an employer, who can attest to your potential in your chosen field of study. Additional letters will not be considered. o Submit your most recent unofficial transcripts from your high school and/or college(s) with your application. A GED may also be accepted. o Mail or hand in person all required materials to the Academy of Math and Science offices, C3132/C3134, Normandale Community College 9700 France Ave South, Bloomington, MN 55431 I. GENERAL INFORMATION PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY APPLICATION Name: Date of Birth / / Last First MI Home Phone No. ( ) Mobile/Cell Phone No. ( ) Address: Street City State ZIP Email address: NCC Tech ID: PLEASE WRITE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS VERY CLEARLY (Please also note that you must set up a Normandale e-mail address as that is where all OFFICIAL electronic correspondence will be sent upon entry to the program) Name of High School: Year of HS Graduation: High School GPA: PSEO courses? Yes/No (circle one) Are you a new student (never attended Normandale)? Yes No -- If no, Month/Year Started at NCC / Are you planning on enrolling full time (12 or more credits per semester)? Yes No Program of Study at NCC: Expected date of transfer: Future Career Goals: Potential Transfer Institution(s): Do you seek graduation and transfer? Yes/ No/ Unsure (circle one) Expected date of NCC graduation: All previous college(s) attended: Highest Degree attained (circle one below) Degree Date: High School Diploma GED Certificate A.S. A.A. B.A. B.S Other: How did you hear about the Academy of Math and Science?
II. ESSAY Each applicant is required to submit a 500 word, typewritten or computer-processed essay addressing the following: 1. Who are you as a person, a student and a scholar? 2. What is your chosen field of study and how did you come to choose this as a field of study? 3. What career do you hope to have in the future? 4. In your chosen field, what do you hope to do to make a difference in the world? 5. How can the Academy help you to reach your academic and professional goals? 6. Describe your commitment the STEM field and to maintaining a 3.0 while in the Academy program. 7. What can you bring to the Academy of Math and Science Scholars cohort to help contribute to the group learning and development process? 8. What experiences in life, leadership, and volunteerism, have contributed to your growth as a person and future professional? Please note that NO hand-written essays will be accepted and that all essays should have the applicant s name on each numbered page. III. CERTIFICATION The information contained within this application is true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that misrepresentation or fraudulent information may be grounds for loss of scholarship funds and/or require repayment. I also understand that my application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED if: a. My application and essay are not completed and signed as instructed; b. If my letters of recommendation, essay and academic transcripts are not attached OR mailed separately by the deadline; and c. The Normandale Financial Aid & Scholarship Office has not received the results of my FAFSA from the Central Processor. All applicants must apply for financial aid in order to be considered for this program. If named a recipient, I authorize Normandale Community College to release any information listed in this application to the agencies that provide scholarship funding, with the understanding that private data will be stored securely and will not be released publicly. Applicant s Signature: Date: If under 18 Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Please Print Parent/Guardian Name: Providing the following demographic information is voluntary. This information will assist NCC in evaluating student recruitment and retention policies. Scholarships are funded by donors and they often give these scholarships with the intent that they are awarded to students who meet very specific criteria. Please review the following criteria carefully and check any item that applies to you: Male Female Are you Hispanic or Latino (a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture, regardless of race)? Yes No Racial background (select one or more) American Indian or Alaska Native - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community attachment. Asian - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent. Black or African American - A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands. White - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
PERSONAL REFERENCE The Normandale Academy of Math and Science requires TWO references to complete your program/scholarship application. Please fill out the top portion, and provide this questionnaire to each of your references. Ask them to return it promptly to Normandale Academy of Math and Science, c/o Maria Clark or Charles Klepperich, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431, or via email at ams@normandale.edu. Student Information: Name: (First Name) (MI) (Last Name) Student ID Number: Major: Reference Information: If you need more space for your answers, please write on back or add additional pages. You may also send a formal letter instead of using this form; however please be sure to include all information noted below. Referent s name Date Referent s phone number ( ) Best time to call I have known the applicant since Relationship to applicant I believe the applicant s scholastic ability to be I believe the applicant s dedication to study to be I believe the applicant s potential to be Please tell us why you think the applicant would be a good match for the Academy of Math and Science Support Program. Please discuss the student s ability to succeed in higher education and/or the student s overall persistence and drive to succeed. Please explain why you would, or would not, recommend the applicant for this scholarship/support program: Additional Comments: _
PERSONAL REFERENCE The Normandale Academy of Math and Science requires TWO references to complete your program/scholarship application. Please fill out the top portion, and provide this questionnaire to each of your references. Ask them to return it promptly to Normandale Academy of Math and Science, c/o Maria Clark or Charles Klepperich, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431, or via email at ams@normandale.edu. Student Information: Name: (First Name) (MI) (Last Name) Student ID Number: Major: Reference Information: If you need more space for your answers, please write on back or add additional pages. You may also send a formal letter instead of using this form; however please be sure to include all information noted below. Referent s name Date Referent s phone number ( ) Best time to call I have known the applicant since Relationship to applicant I believe the applicant s scholastic ability to be I believe the applicant s dedication to study to be I believe the applicant s potential to be Please tell us why you think the applicant would be a good match for the Academy of Math and Science Support Program. Please discuss the student s ability to succeed in higher education and/or the student s overall persistence and drive to succeed. Please explain why you would, or would not, recommend the applicant for this scholarship/support program: Additional Comments: