BELONG in STEM Scholars

Scholarships for STEM Students

As a first-generation college student, Professor Ralph Wheeler is intimately familiar with the obstacles that low-income students face when pursuing higher education. When Prof. Wheeler saw an opportunity to help low-income, high-achieving students pursue their dreams in STEM, he took action. With determination and a vision, Professor Wheeler recruited experts in the field to craft a winning application for the National Science Foundation's $1 million S-STEM program. His actions are a reminder that we all have the power to make a positive impact and turn our aspirations into reality. Their project, "BELONG in STEM," provided these students with not only financial aid but also the tools to thrive, including peer support, community-building, mentorship, professional development activities, internships, and research opportunities. Over the years, 49 students, 44 of whom have graduated, have benefited from this program, transforming their lives and inspiring others with their stories of perseverance and achievement:

• LaToya's journey to NIU from the South Side of Chicago was not an easy one. She doubted her place on a college campus. However, after two years in the BELONG in STEM program, she acknowledged her strength and found her confidence to say “Now I know I’m as good as anyone here. I know I can get my degree and I’m going to grad school”. Today, she is a role model to many and an inspiration to all those who aspire to achieve their dreams.
• Jesús is another true inspiration. He was a double-major paying the costs of college and supporting his parents and two siblings after his parents lost their jobs during the pandemic. Thanks to the S-STEM scholarship, he is now pursuing his dreams in graduate school and planning to make a difference in the STEM field.
• Zach has overcome many obstacles to pursue his education as a nontraditional student with mobility issues. Led by his life experiences, Zach found a place within the BELONG in STEM program to establish a supportive community of non-traditional students. Together, they serve as mentors for younger colleagues and inspire each other to reach their full potential.
• Taylor's journey as a biochemistry major was challenging, but her perseverance paid off when she was named NIU's Lincoln Laureate in 2020. Despite facing major obstacles, she continued to excel and went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of Chicago. Along the way, she also took a gap year to work at Abbvie in Chicago, proving through hard work, determination, inclusive mentorship, and the S-STEM scholarship that she, too, belongs in STEM.