Advancing Students to Careers in Ecology Program

Applications must be complete by July 31, 2021.

The Paul Smith’s College Advancing Students to Careers in Ecology Program (ASCEP) aims to increase the educational and career opportunities for academically talented and financially disadvantaged students who are pursuing degrees in biology, fisheries & wildlife science, forest biology, ecological restoration, environmental science, or human health and the environment. Participants in the program will work side-by-side with faculty in those programs and participate in various enhancement opportunities. Faculty members will provide active mentoring and academic assistance for the scholars to maximize their chances for academic success. The scholarships are funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. Participants in good standing will be awarded the ASCEP scholarship each semester until graduation. Through intensive student and faculty mentoring, scholarship recipients will be encouraged to pursue graduate study or careers in science upon graduation. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

  • Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident at the time of application.
  • Demonstrate financial need as defined by the U.S. Department of Education rules for need-based federal financial aid.
  • Be pursuing a bachelor of science degree in one of the following disciplines:
    • Biology (BIO)
    • Fisheries and Wildlife Science (FWS)
    • Ecological Restoration (ECOR)
    • Environmental Science (ENV)
    • Forest Biology (FBIO)
    • Ecological Forest Management (FEFM)
    • Human Health and the Environment (HHAE)
    • Natural Science (NS)

Paul Smith’s College ASCEP Application Checklist

  • COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM.
  • UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Most recent academic transcript including all enrolled, completed, and transferred college credit. Transcript must include final grades for semester prior to applying.
  • PERSONAL STATEMENT: Explain how you developed a passion for conserving natural resources and pursuing a career in the natural sciences. Discuss how a degree in fisheries and wildlife science, forest biology or environmental science will help you pursue a career in this field. Detail how the ASCEP scholarship will help with your career goals. Please limit your essay to one single-spaced page using 12-point type.
  • TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
    • One from an academic reference who can attest to your academic ability and interest in science as a career.
    • Another from a supervisor who can comment on your professionalism (e.g., your motivation, ability to manage time and resources, communication skills, etc.) The author of this letter may have worked with you at a job, volunteer work, athletics, or other capacity.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of S-STEM at Paul Smith’s College dkelting@paulsmiths.edu. A limited number of STEM scholarships are available and the selection process is competitive.

ASCEP Application Form

Personal Info

Please provide your name and contact information.

Eligibility

I have completed at least 27 semester credit hours at a college

Work Experience

Please include paid, unpaid and volunteer positions.

Personal Statement

Provide a statement explaining how you developed a passion for conserving natural resources and pursuing a career in environmental science, forest biology or fisheries and wildlife science. Discuss how a degree will help you pursue a career in this field, and detail how the E3SP scholarship will help with your career goals. Please limit your essay to one single-spaced page using 12-point type.

Maximum file size: 52.22MB

Unofficial Transcript

Please provide your most recent academic transcript including all enrolled, completed, and transferred college credit. Transcript must include final grades for semester prior to applying.

Maximum file size: 52.22MB

References

Please provide an email address for your academic reference. He/she will receive an automated request to provide an academic reference on your behalf.
Please provide an email address for your employment reference. He/she will receive an automated request to provide an employment reference on your behalf.

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