FIRST COHORTS OF LOCAL EDUCATION FOR SERVICE AND S-STEM SCHOLARS ARRIVE AT BVU

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S-STEM students

STORM LAKE, IA (08/30/2018) (readMedia)-- Ten Education for Service (EFS) and 15 S-STEM (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) scholars hit the ground running upon their August arrival on campus as freshmen. The two groups are pioneering new, large-scale scholarship programs at Buena Vista University (BVU).

Before classes began, the EFS students spent a week preparing for their service-oriented role in the EFS program. One of their first projects, named the First Steps Challenge, was visiting local organizations working to make a positive impact in Buena Vista County including Faith, Hope & Charity and Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. The students listened, observed, and asked questions in order to identify possible ways in which they could add value to the organizations. Together with a student partner, the group returned to campus to brainstorm and present actionable journeys toward service solutions guided by Dr. Andrea Frantz, professor of digital media; Dr. Swasti Bhattacharyya, professor of philosophy and religion; and Elizabeth Multerer, education for service coordinator.

Cody Holtgrewe, a biomedical science major from Newell says, "I'm looking forward to continuing to get to know the community and becoming more involved as I get an education." Heidi Coronel, a Storm Lake native, is also a biomedical science major and feels as if she's already beginning to accomplish great things at BVU. "Living on campus and being able to afford my college education is amazing. I am happy and very proud of myself," she says.

The EFS Buena Vista County residents were selected as recipients of BVU's inaugural EFS scholarship program in March. The program awards four-year scholarships, all totaling in excess of the cost of tuition, each year to eligible students. In return, the students serve as Iowa College AmeriCorps volunteers in Buena Vista County communities throughout their four years at BVU. Holtgrewe added, "I was shocked to receive the scholarship, but it means a lot because I'm the first person in my family to go to college. I'm hoping to make a name for myself, prove my potential, and see all that I can achieve."

As part of the Iowa College AmeriCorps volunteer program, the cohort of students will take part in a four-year service plan that includes completing up to five hours of purposeful service activities per week, going on AWOL (Alternative Week of Off-site Learning) trips and other service-oriented retreats, participating in success coaching, implementing community-based research on and off campus, and more.

The program is designed to equip the students with exemplary personal, leadership, and professional skills. Rocio Flores-Gonzalez from Rembrandt says, "I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm excited to get to know other students and my professors. My brother is going to college at the same time as I am, so this has helped take the burden of price off of my parents. I hope to show others how great it can be to live close to home and help the community through BVU."

In its first year, more than 30 area high school students applied for the Education for Service Scholars program. To be eligible for consideration, students must be first generation college students, earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA while completing a college prep curriculum, and be Federal Pell Grant and Iowa Tuition Grant (state) eligible.

S-STEM students arrived on campus two days early to participate in a summer bridge program within their University Seminar class. Activities also included a trip to TransAgra Interntational Inc. in Storm Lake.

BVU's S-STEM scholarships were granted after the School of Science was awarded a nearly $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2017 to support students who are entering a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field of study. Thanks to the grant funding, each year BVU selects 15-18 students to receive grant funding of $5,000 max per year for up to four years and $2,000 for a science sampler interim trip.

Anthony Baird, a pre-dentistry student from Moville, says "Winning this scholarship greatly influenced my decision to go to BVU because the price was much more affordable than other schools. I'm excited to dive in and see where the travel stipend will take me." The grant (proposal #1643543) – which marks BVU's largest federal grant to date – was given through NSF's S-STEM program and launches BVU's STEM "Career And Research Exploration to Enhance Retention in STEM" (C.A.R.E.E.R.S.) program.

The program was developed by a team of BVU faculty and staff as a way to provide low-income, underrepresented students access to targeted programs and services in an effort to enhance their success and retention in STEM fields. Many students do not persist in STEM fields due to the lack of knowledge about the comprehensive range of careers that are available to them after graduation. The innovative STEM C.A.R.E.E.R.S. program aims to combat this issue through strategic student support and services.

In addition to the science sampler trip, the cohort will have access to a spectrum of services, including learning communities, tutoring, mentoring, success programs, and a robust career development plan. Specific activities will include seminar-style courses, a career-focused science trip, and interdisciplinary research and internship opportunities. Christina Jackson, a biomedical science major from Johnston, says, "I can't wait to explore the different areas of science at BVU, which will help me determine different topics of individual research opportunities."

The STEM C.A.R.E.E.R.S. program is interdisciplinary and enrolls low-income, high-performing students who major in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, computer science, data science, environmental science, mathematics, physics, pre-engineering, or science education. Eligible students can use the scholarship in conjunction with other BVU financial aid which is renewable each year and generally covers the full cost of tuition.

EFS Photo Details:

Front row L-R: Karole Iraheta of Storm Lake, Storm Lake High School graduate; Heidi Coronel of Storm Lake, Storm Lake High School graduate; Diana Pastrana of Storm Lake, Storm Lake High School graduate; Rocio Flores-Gonzalez of Rembrandt, Sioux Central High School graduate; Cody Holtgrewe of Newell, Newell-Fonda High School graduate, Nathan Pedersen of Newell, Newell-Fonda High School graduate; Cody Goodwin of Linn Grove, Alta-Aurelia High School graduate

Back row L-R: Dr. Swasti Bhattacharyya, Tuan Truong of Storm Lake, St. Mary's High School graduate; Matthew Marroquin of Storm Lake, Storm Lake High School graduate; Dr. Andrea Frantz, Cory Goodwin of Linn Grove, Alta-Aurelia High School graduate; Elizabeth Multerer

S-STEM Photo Details:

Front row L-R: Greg Haaf, Jacob Hull, Jacob Sellers, Tabitha Guyett, Nicole Schuppan

Second row L-R: Jon Zimmer, Sydney Carroll, Christina Jackson, Cat Waltz, Garrett Bates

Back row L-R: Autumn Derifield, Cody Buresh, Anthony Baird, Josh Dunsbergen

Not pictured: Leslie Rine

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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