Department of Mathematics
ISU S-STEM Scholarships
in
Secondary Mathematics Education
Scholarship Application Form
The ISU S-STEM Scholarship is an award designed to support academically talented undergraduate
secondary mathematics education students of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a need for financial
assistance. S-STEM Scholars will be required to participate in mentoring and seminar activities during the
academic year and will be expected to mentor fellow scholars after their first year in the program.
Scholars must maintain high academic standards in order to remain in the program, as well as fulfilling
program requirements, including participating in semi-monthly seminars (non-credit) designed to
facilitate their success as students, mentors and future teachers.
The S-STEM scholarship is per academic year, and the amount awarded will be based on this application
in conjunction with the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is
required to determine financial need and is submitted separately, and the Illinois State University
application. S-STEM Scholars who start in Fall 2011 will retain their scholarships [for up to four
semesters] as long as they maintain a 3.00 or better GPA, participate in required S-STEM Program
activities, and earn an average of at least 12 credit hours per semester. Only U.S. citizens and permanent
residents are eligible for S-STEM Scholarships. Scholarship recipients who change to a major outside of
secondary mathematics education will relinquish the remainder of the scholarship.
The S-STEM scholarship application packet consists of:



This application form completed by the applicant (sent by applicant)
An essay answer to a question about your motivation to become a secondary mathematics teacher
and why you should receive a scholarship (sent by applicant)
Two letters of recommendations with the applicant recommendation form completed [for incoming freshmen & transfer students]. At least one of the letters should be from an instructor
familiar with your mathematical abilities and suitability for the secondary mathematics education
program (sent by recommenders)
All application materials are DUE by April 29, 2011. However, the ISU S-STEM Scholarship Committee
will continue to look at applications until all available scholarships have been awarded. The FASFA
should be completed ASAP!
Send all application materials to:
ISU S-STEM Scholarships
c/o Professor Saad El-Zanati
Department of Mathematics
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4520
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.
Department of Mathematics
1. Name
Last
First
Middle
2. ISU E-Mail Address
3. ISU ID #
4. Telephone numbers: Home (
)
-
; Mobile (
)
-
.
5. Mailing Address
6. High School
7. List the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of two of your teachers or other qualified persons
who will submit a letter of recommendation and comment on your capabilities in mathematics. Do not
send the letters of recommendation yourself.
8. Essay: An important part of this application is the essay section where you give your motivation to
become a secondary mathematics teacher and a rationale for why you should be awarded an ISU S-STEM
Scholarship. Place your name and ISU student number at the top of the page. The essay must be typed and
is limited to about 300 words. The essay should describe your interests and experiences, as they relate to
mathematics and mathematics education. This essay may contain any additional information that you
consider relevant to your application. Attach your essay to this application.
With my signature I certify that the application information is true to the best of my knowledge and
that I am a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. I duly acknowledge that failure to
provide truthful information could result in the rejection of my application and possible
termination from the program.
Signature:
Date:
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.
Department of Mathematics
S-STEM RECOMMENDATION FORM
APPLICANT PAGE
(INCOMING FRESHMEN & TRANSFERS ONLY)
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
Give both pages of the recommendation form to individuals (no relatives) who can attest to your
academic achievements, your potential for academic success in the secondary mathematics education
undergraduate program, and promise for success as a secondary mathematics teacher. At least one
recommendation should be from a mathematics teacher.
This page of the form should be completed by the applicant for each recommender. Page 2 of this form
should be completed by the recommender and attached to a separate Letter of Recommendation printed
on official letterhead. Copies of these forms can be made.
APPLICANT: PRINT YOUR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, AND MIDDLE INITIAL BELOW
In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may waive your right to
inspect this recommendation. Should you decide not to waive the right, you will have access to the
recommendation if you enroll in the ISU S-STEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education
Program. Please check the appropriate box and sign below. Failing to check the appropriate box will
automatically waive your access to view this recommendation.

I hereby waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature
Date

I hereby do not waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature
Date
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.
Department of Mathematics
S-STEM RECOMMENDATION FORM
RECOMMENDER PAGE
(INCOMING FRESHMEN & TRANSFERS ONLY)
INSTRUCTIONS TO RECOMMENDER:
We appreciate your willingness to serve as a reference for this student who is applying to the ISU SSTEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education Program, funded by the National Science
Foundation. This scholarship is seeking to support students who will be able to successfully fulfill the
scholastic requirements of the program and have unmet financial need with respect to starting and
completing an undergraduate degree in secondary mathematics education.
Please attach both pages of the form (Applicant and Recommender) to a separate Letter of
Recommendation on official letterhead detailing the candidate’s qualifications. Seal it, sign across the
seal, place in a mailing envelope and mail it directly to: ISU S-STEM Scholarships
c/o Professor Saad El-Zanati
Department of Mathematics
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4520
RECOMMENDER: PLEASE PRINT THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW
How Long Have You Known This Applicant?
Your Email Address:
Print Your Name
Position or Title
Relationship to Applicant
Daytime Phone Number
Mailing Address
City
State/Zip
This recommendation form and the accompanying letter must be received by April 29, 2011.
Please compose a separate letter of recommendation printed on university, high school or agency
letterhead that addresses one or more of the following topics:





The applicant’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of knowledge, attitude, skills and character.
The applicant’s potential as a successful mentor and leader.
The applicant’s ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds.
Why you believe the applicant can succeed as a secondary mathematics education major.
If possible, please limit the letter to one page.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature
Date
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.
Department of Mathematics
S-STEM RECOMMENDATION FORM
APPLICANT PAGE
(INCOMING FRESHMEN & TRANSFERS ONLY)
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
Give both pages of the recommendation form to individuals (no relatives) who can attest to your
academic achievements, your potential for academic success in the secondary mathematics education
undergraduate program, and promise for success as a secondary mathematics teacher. At least one
recommendation should be from a mathematics teacher.
This page of the form should be completed by the applicant for each recommender. Page 2 of this form
should be completed by the recommender and attached to a separate Letter of Recommendation printed
on official letterhead. Copies of these forms can be made.
APPLICANT: PRINT YOUR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, AND MIDDLE INITIAL BELOW
In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may waive your right to
inspect this recommendation. Should you decide not to waive the right, you will have access to the
recommendation if you enroll in the ISU S-STEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education
Program. Please check the appropriate box and sign below. Failing to check the appropriate box will
automatically waive your access to view this recommendation.

I hereby waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature
Date

I hereby do not waive my right of access to this reference.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature
Date
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.
Department of Mathematics
S-STEM RECOMMENDATION FORM
RECOMMENDER PAGE
(INCOMING FRESHMEN & TRANSFERS ONLY)
INSTRUCTIONS TO RECOMMENDER:
We appreciate your willingness to serve as a reference for this student who is applying to the ISU SSTEM Scholarships in Secondary Mathematics Education Program, funded by the National Science
Foundation. This scholarship is seeking to support students who will be able to successfully fulfill the
scholastic requirements of the program and have unmet financial need with respect to starting and
completing an undergraduate degree in secondary mathematics education.
Please attach both pages of the form (Applicant and Recommender) to a separate Letter of
Recommendation on official letterhead detailing the candidate’s qualifications. Seal it, sign across the
seal, place in a mailing envelope and mail it directly to: ISU S-STEM Scholarships
c/o Professor Saad El-Zanati
Department of Mathematics
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4520
RECOMMENDER: PLEASE PRINT THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW
How Long Have You Known This Applicant?
Your Email Address:
Print Your Name
Position or Title
Relationship to Applicant
Daytime Phone Number
Mailing Address
City
State/Zip
This recommendation form and the accompanying letter must be received by April 29, 2011.
Please compose a separate letter of recommendation printed on university, high school or agency
letterhead that addresses one or more of the following topics:





The applicant’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of knowledge, attitude, skills and character.
The applicant’s potential as a successful mentor and leader.
The applicant’s ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds.
Why you believe the applicant can succeed as a secondary mathematics education major.
If possible, please limit the letter to one page.
____________________________________ ____________
Signature
Date
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.
Department of Mathematics
S-STEM Initial Application Essay Question
Name:
ISU ID #:
What is motivating you to major in secondary mathematics education and why should you receive one the
ISU S-STEM Scholarships?
ISU S-STEM Scholarships are funded by grant #0850307 from the National Science Foundation.