S4: Scholarships for Science Student Success
S4: Empowering Your STEM Success
As an S4 Scholar, you’ll gain more than just financial support, and more. Each year, you’ll receive a scholarship along with access to a dedicated mentoring network, hands-on research opportunities, experiences, and internship opportunities. You’ll strengthen your skills, grow your confidence, and open doors to exciting career paths. Whether your passion is Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics, or Math, the S4 program will help you thrive and prepare to make a meaningful impact in the STEM workforce.
Please note: for your application to be reviewed, you must have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) before submitting your application.
Scholarships
Focus on your future—not your expenses. As an S4 Scholar at UNC, you’ll receive up to $15,000 a year for four years to follow your passion in the Natural and Mathematical Sciences. With this support, you can stress less about costs and invest more in what matters—building your skills, gaining experience through paid research and internships, and preparing for a rewarding career in STEM.
Summer Bridge & Skills for Success
Start strong with the Summer Bridge Program! Before your first semester, you’ll join a one-week experience designed to help you feel ready, confident, and connected. During the program, you’ll get an inside look at college life and resources, meet mentors, advisors, and instructors, and take part in activities that build a supportive community of scholars. You’ll discover your place in STEM and build the skills—inside and outside the classroom—to succeed and belong.
The S4 Experience: Support, Research & Growth in STEM
Cohort Courses & Academic Support
Learn and grow together. You’ll take University 101 with First Year Honors as well as foundational science classes as a cohort in a setting that is both challenging and supportive. You’ll also have access to peer tutors, giving you extra guidance to succeed in your studies while building lasting connections with your scholar community.
Support & Mentoring
Guided every step of the way. As an S4 Scholar, you’ll be supported by a dedicated network of mentors and advisors—including peers, faculty, and proactive academic advisors. You’ll also take part in bi-monthly workshops on careers, community building, the history of science, and more—equipping you with the guidance, connections, and skills to succeed in college and beyond.
Paid Summer Research Opportunity
Gain Experience Through Hands-On Summer Research. You will have the chance to join a paid, eight-week summer research program with a faculty mentor between your first and second year. You can present your work at UNC’s Fall Symposium for Undergraduate Research or the Spring Students Showcase of Artists and Scholars. You will also receive financial support to travel and share your research at national conferences. On top of that, you’ll get help applying for national summer research opportunities to keep growing your skills and STEM experience.
Additional Experiences for Your STEM Success
Step Forward on Your STEM Path. If you qualify, you’ll be invited to join the McNair Scholars Program, gaining hands-on research experience and preparation for graduate school during your junior and senior years. All scholars can participate in the Capstone Honors Experience, which focuses on advanced research and professional growth. You’ll also have opportunities to serve as a peer mentor or tutor, building leadership skills while supporting fellow students. In addition, you’ll benefit from graduate school admission workshops to help you take the next step in your STEM journey.
Eligibility
The S4 program supports students who are passionate about STEM and have financial need. You are eligible to apply if you:
- Plan to major in an eligible STEM field
- Have at least a 3.0 high school GPA
- Are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
- Pell Grant eligible with demonstrated unmet financial need
How to Apply
Application Information and Process
Please note: for your application to be reviewed, you must have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) before submitting your application.
Meet the Team
Murielle Watzky-Brewer
Associate Professor & Department Chair
Susan Keenan
Professor & Associate Dean
Victoria Duncan
Assistant Director, Mathematics and Science Teaching (MAST) Institute