The South Plains Mathematics Scholars Program (SPMSP), funded by the National Science Foundation, supports academically talented students from low-income families by providing scholarships for undergraduate study leading to a degree in mathematics. Academically, the program is the same as the general requirements of the mathematics major. However, SPMSP Scholars also find a support system designed specifically with their needs in mind.
Each year approximately 12 incoming freshmen will be admitted to the SPMS Program. Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, they each receive scholarships worth up to $10,000 per year depending on financial need as determined by FAFSA. The scholarships will provide funds for tuition, fees, textbooks, living expenses, and other costs associated with attending Texas Tech University. Scholars are also eligible for additional financial aid from the university.
The program affords deserving students an opportunity to defy the constraints associated with their financial situations and complete their education. Students will receive academic mentoring and will discover interesting coursework and rewarding relationships with peers and faculty.
When they arrive on campus, each scholar is assigned a math professor to serve as his/her mentor. The mentor will be there to guide, encourage, and provide a ear to listen. The mentoring is overseen by Dr. Michael O'Boyle from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, an internationally recognized expert in the process of mathematical learning.
As scholars progress in their coursework, their mentor will help them begin their own mathematical research. Junior and senior scholars will travel to state and national meetings to present any research they've generated and meet internationally known mathematicians.
Each year the families of the SPMSP scholars are invited onto the campus for Scholars Day. Families meet math faculty and learn about their scholar's research and the exciting opportunities available to them.
Applicants should complete the application for general scholarships, making sure to list Mathematics as a major in their university application. Students are also encouraged to send a copy of the application to Dr. Monty Strauss, monty.strauss@ttu.edu, (see mailing address and FAX number below), to ensure that we receive the application in a timely fashion. Scholarship deadlines are February 1 of each year. To verify financial need, the FAFSA should be submitted as early as possible.
The departmental scholarship committee will evaluate applications based on academic aptitude and on financial need as reflected by applicant's FAFSA. A grade point average of 3.5 in mathematics and science-related courses and ACT score of 20 or greater or SAT V+M of 950 or greater will receive favorable consideration. Teacher recommendations, participation in UIL or technology-related activities and evidence of high-quality independent projects will help as well. NSF guidelines require participants be US citizens or permanent residents.
Scholarship support is renewable each year up to a maximum of four years of study, as long as the student remains a fulltime undergraduate mathematics major and maintains at least a 3.5 GPA in Mathematics, 3.25 GPA overall, and is making satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate degree offered through our department.
The Math Department provides many other scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Contact Dr. Monty Strauss, monty.strauss@ttu.edu, for more information.
Texas Tech University, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Broadway and Boston, Lubbock, TX 79409-1042
Phone: 806.742.2566 |
