Big Blue STEM Scholars

Student looking in microscope

  • Millikin University’s Big Blue STEM Scholars project provides an exceptional opportunity for first-year and transfer students from low-income backgrounds who are majoring in the sciences. The project equips students to make a difference as future leaders in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 

    Students must first submit their application for admission to Millikin University and receive an acceptance packet before they can apply for scholarships. Admitted students can access the application through their VIP page. Students who are selected for the Big Blue STEM Scholars project interview process will be interviewed on March 8, 2025.

    Big Blue STEM Scholars Benefits

    • Financial support for tuition, textbooks, housing and food up to the student’s full cost
    • A summer research stipend, awarded during the student’s first year
    • Graduate-level research opportunities and other professional development experiences

    Big Blue STEM Scholars majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics are also members of Millikin’s Leighty Science Scholars Program, providing them with an additional scholarship of $2,500 per year, plus a summer research stipend of up to $6,000 in their second year. Big Blue STEM Scholars majoring in Mathematics or Computer Science are eligible for a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) award in their second year.

    Millikin-provided scholarships and grants can be renewed for up to four consecutive years for students who continue to meet the eligibility criteria and make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.

  • 1. Apply to Millikin University. Students must first submit the Millikin application for admission and be accepted before applying for scholarships. Applications are accepted at millikin.edu/apply or through the Common Application at commonapp.org/explore/millikin-university. Applying is free, no essay is required and applications are considered on a rolling basis. 

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    2. Send credentials to Millikin, including transcripts and test scores. Millikin’s ACT code is 1080, and our SAT code is 1470.

    3. Eligible students will be invited to apply for the Big Blue STEM Scholars project after they have been admitted to Millikin. Scholarship applicants are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    4. Students who are selected for the Big Blue STEM Scholars project interview process will be interviewed on March 8, 2025.

  • In order to be considered for the Big Blue STEM Scholars project, you must be a new first-year or transfer student and meet the following criteria:

    • Be a United States citizen
    • Be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) as a traditional undergraduate student at Millikin
    • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — Millikin's school code is 001724
    • Be eligible for a federal Pell Grant and demonstrate unmet financial need
    • Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
    • Show evidence of College Algebra readiness (ACT Math ≥ 22, SAT Math ≥ 540 or equivalent proficiency such as dual-credit, AP credit, etc.)
    • Major in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics

  • Our Big Blue STEM Scholars gain access to Millikin University’s unique Performance Learning opportunities, which allow students to integrate their classroom and laboratory knowledge with real-world, hands-on experience in their field. Our students begin doing the work of their careers on day one! They serve side-by-side with faculty in conducting groundbreaking, graduate-level research. Solve complex scientific problems. Develop innovative ideas using state-of-the-art technology. And above all, graduate prepared for the future and poised for success. 

    Students may earn a Big Blue STEM Scholars scholarship in addition to other Millikin and external scholarships. While Big Blue STEM Scholars receive financial support for tuition, textbooks, housing, food and a summer research stipend, the benefits they receive are not purely financial in nature. Our scholars flourish within the environment of a dedicated learning community and with the support of engaged faculty who serve as committed academic mentors. They form relationships with fellow scholars as they work within cohorts and build professional networks while conducting research and engaging in professional development opportunities. 

  • More information

    Dr. Kyle Knust
    Director, Big Blue STEM Scholars
    Associate Professor
    217.424.6242
    kknust@millikin.edu

    nsf logoThe Big Blue STEM Scholars project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation and is open to students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2325989. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.