Northern Illinois University
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Building Engagement in Laboratories, Networking and Peer Groups (BELONG) in STEM Scholars Program provides scholarships for undergraduate students who have junior status or above and are majoring in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, geology and environmental geosciences, mathematics, computer science and engineering. NIU received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation S-STEM program to offer scholarships to students with financial need and academic promise. Students selected to be BELONG in STEM Scholars will receive up to $10,000 each academic year for up to three years. Scholars will participate in peer-group meetings, professional development activities and research opportunities to support their growth and persistence in their majors.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
• Demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA
  • Filed before submitting an application
• Junior status
• Major in one of these units:
  Note: high school-level education licensure students in the below departments are not eligible.
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering (all B.S. degree programs)
  • Geology and Environmental Geosciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Statistics (Actuarial Science excluded)
• Preferred minimum 3.0 GPA

Application Preparation

Before applying, be sure to file FAFSA and submit an NIU admission application if you are not already an NIU student. To apply, prepare a one-page personal statement and seek two academic letters of reference. Your statement should be no longer than one page (i.e. 12-pt font, single-spaced) and should highlight your motivation and interest in pursuing your degree. Your letters of reference should be from individuals who can attest to your academic accomplishments and potential. Check the sections below for more information.

Tips for preparing your statement

• Describe why you are interested in your major.
• Explain what your motivation is for pursuing a STEM degree.
• Highlight your ability to manage your time, communicate and write.
• Discuss any unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate for this scholarship program.
• Ask a mentor or academic writing center to proofread your statement.
• Be sure to carefully check for grammatical or typographical errors.
• More tips on writing a personal statement.

Letters of Recommendation

Your letters of recommendation should highlight your academic promise and your skills (i.e., technical, writing, communication). Letters from former teachers, instructors or professors are preferred. However, letters from former employers are also appropriate. Please do not submit letters from personal references (i.e. friends, family members, etc.).

For the application, you will be asked to submit the contact information for two letters of reference. Please have your letter writers email their letters to: class-stem@niu.edu with your name as the subject and as the file name of their letter.

Application Review

• Review of applications will begin April 1, 2025
• Applications will be accepted until scholarships are awarded.