RADFORD -- Radford University is looking for talented students who will major in science, math and information technology and who also may need additional financial assistance to make their educational dreams a reality.

RU’s College of Science and Technology (CSAT) is awarding approximately 20 scholarships per academic year through the Bridges and Pipelines program for incoming freshmen who will major in biology, chemistry, computer science and technology, geology, information science and systems, math or physics.

The CSAT was awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) grant for $597,427 in January to provide the Bridges and Pipelines Scholarships.

The average amount of each scholarship is $2,800, and scholarships are renewable up to four years. The priority deadline to apply for the Bridges and Pipelines Scholarships is March 1, and the regular application deadline in May 1.

Several scholarships are set aside for students who have participated in related, pre-college partner programs such as RU’s Summer Bridge Program, Project Discovery, Appalachian Arts and Studies in the Schools, 4-H organizations in Southwest Virginia and New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board Youth Council.

To apply, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA from high school or a community college; major in biology, chemistry, computer science and technology, geology, information science and systems, math or physics; apply and qualify for need-based support per federal requirements (FAFSA); and apply and be accepted to Radford University. Students are strongly urged to apply for the scholarships before the March 1 deadline.

To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in their respective major, progress toward earning a leadership certificate and participate in events and presentations organized by the CSAT STEM Club.

Scholarship students receive individual attention from project staff with advising, academic support, social support and career counseling. In addition, scholarship students will participate in RU’s Leadership Program, in which they will enroll in the Emerging Leadership course (LEAD110), as well as three other leadership-related courses within RU’s College of Science and Technology.

Students must also participate in an intensive experimental learning event, such as an internship.