About the Center of Excellence for Science 

This Center of Excellence (COE) is a cooperative effort based on community outreach, business and workforce partnerships, university transfer, college prep, and teacher professional development programs.  Our center is a response to workforce needs for trained workers for high paying careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

Scholarships & Career Development

• STEM Work-Study.  The centers are looking for two student work-study employees to assist the office in managing program tasks aimed at expanding STEM education and workforce.  Tasks include: greet visitors, answer phones, respond to inquiries, filing, creating handouts, receive/send faxes, and make copies. 
• T-STEM Challenge Scholarship  ($2,500/year).  This scholarship is funded by the Texas Workforce Commission to encourage students to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and allied health programs.  Requirement highlights include: an 80 average for high school math and science courses, completion of 30 semester credit hours during award year, registration for Selective Service (males only), and 'financial need' is not required.  The college is anticipating funding for 2013-14.   
• COE Student Engagement Grant (SEG)  ($2,500 max).  The COE's SEG is a financial aid award given to selected students to assist the Centers in expanding awareness of the college's STEM academic and community activities.  Now accepting applications.
• UTSA's Tranfer Academy for Tomorrow's Engineers (TATE)  ($2,000 stipend).  Accepted TATE students will participate in an intense summer program which will: (1) focus on research & technical writing skills (2) conduct climate related engineering research (3) complete a video project. Students will also receive networking opportunities and a $ 2,000 dollar stipend after successful completion of the summer program and may be eligible for an additional scholarship for the fall and spring semester.  Deadline March 1, 2013
• Fastweb Scholarships:  High seniors and current college students 

Community Outreach

• Science and Math Summer Academy  (July 2013).  SAMSA offers 11-15 year old students the opportunity to see math and science in action. Classes and projects will be taught by certified teachers and math and science industry professionals.  Participants will also hear from math and science professionals as guest speakers during their free lunch.   Applications are being updated.  For more information contact associate director, Dr. Carmen Nava-Fischer.
• Space TEAM Robotics Camp  (August 2013).   Our robotics camp is designed for 4th-6th grade students to learn basic principles of robotics competition.  Students are taught how to program Lego Mindstorm NXT robots.  Participants are also taught how to establish competition teams within their home schools.  Applications coming soon.
• Women Breaking Through Application  (Fall 2013).  WBT is an annual conference for teenage girls who are interested in pursuing academic and professional careers in STEM.  Professional women leaders in STEM are invited to speak to our participants and share their academic and professional journey  with our aspiring young women.  The 2012 conference hosted fifty-nine attendees and each of them had the opportunity to apply for sponsored scholarships ranging from $250-$500!
•  2013 Green Energy and Engineering Week (Feb 2013).  In recognition of Engineering Week, the Centers partner with local school districts and community organizations to host engaging activities for fifth through twelfth grade students.  The Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering will hold its local science and math competition as part of the event.

Community Partners

• GIRLS ROCKIT TO THE FUTURE, (April 6, 2013).  Applications are being accepted for the Centers of Excellence for Mathematics and Sciences student awards ($160) for participation in the event at the Rackspace Castle.  Training (4 hours) and participation (4 hours) in the actual event will require a minimum of 8 hours engagement. Female students must be a declared major in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) program or in a Teacher Education program and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to be eligible to apply.   We are looking for at least eight volunteers for student funding to occur.  Applications should be submitted ASAP.
• Camp Invention (Summer 2013).  A week long summer enrichment program for children entering grades one through six. The Camp Invention program instills vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun!   
(Summer 2013).  A week long summer enrichment program for children entering grades one through six. The Camp Invention program instills vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun!   

Student Research Opportunities

• American Association of Andrology Conference, (Sunday, April 14th 2013, Hyatt Regency in San Antonio).  Andrologists study basic male reproduction, diabetes, endocrine and metabolic diseases, and urologic diseases.  Conference attendees will hear research presentations, participate in a free lunch network session, and learn about future career and research opportunities in andrology.  Seating is limited and interested students should register ASAP. 
• Summer 2013 CheMIE REU, ($4,500).  Join the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas State University and engage in a traditional research experience while exploring how basic research contributes to molecular innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in the molecular sciences!  Open House, Feb. 15th, 2013 
•  REU EXCITE! at Texas A&M University, ($5,000).  Are you interested in gaining valuable research experience, learning about and working with the most diverse model system on the planet?  Then the Texas A&M University’s Department of Entomology REU EXCITE program is for you!  Join us for 10 weeks this summer as we unlock all sorts of entomological mysteries  
• Summer Institute For Training In Biostatistics, SIBS, (Full room/board).  SIBS introduces quantitatively oriented participants to Biostatistics. Students learn about the applications of statistical methods to biomedical research through coursework and hands-on experience working with real data collected in major clinical studies.  Participating universities: Columbia University, Boston University, University of Iowa, University of South Florida, NC State University, University of Pittsburgh and University of Wisconsin.