STEM Scholarships
Pauley Perrette Forensic Science Scholarship
Pauley Perrette is an American actress, best known for starring as Abby Sciuto on the U.S. TV series, NCIS. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ms. Perrette lived throughout the Southern United States. Before her acting career took off in the late 1990s, she attended Valdosta State University in Georgia, where she studied Criminal Justice, and later moved to New York City to study at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Through her generous donation, Ms. Perrette created this 4-year scholarship to support entering undergraduate students traditionally underrepresented in the Forensic Sciences.
Recipients will automatically receive the scholarship over a four year period as long as they demonstrate continued financial need, are majoring in Forensic Science, and remain in good standing.
Award Amount: Up to $7,500 annually, renewable for four years
Requirements:
- Entering undergraduate student
- Majoring in Forensic Science
- Have a high school average of 80 or better, strong SAT or ACT scores, strong grades in mathematics and science courses
- Member of an underrepresented population
- Demonstrated financial need, determined through a completed FAFSA
Application Process:
- In an essay of 500 words, please describe why you chose to major in Forensic Science and how pursuing this degree will allow you to achieve your personal and professional goals
- Two (2) letter of recommendation
Apply here
Gary Boccia Memorial Scholarship
The Gary Boccia Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one Forensic Science major (part-time or full-time) who has completed a minimum of 60 credits and has earned at least a 3.0 GPA in the amount of $500.
Requirements:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completed a minimum of 60 credits
- You must have completed or be currently enrolled in an internship with an accredited Forensic Science laboratory
Application Process:
- A 500-word essay covering your experiences in the Forensic Science major and future aspirations
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
Apply here
HI-TECH PREP Mathematics Scholarship
Human Investment: Teachers Empowering Candidates' Hope with Preparation, Reinforcement, Enrichment, and Perseverance
The HI-TECH PREP Mathematics Scholarship was established by Professor Emerita Lily E. Christ and her husband Dr. Duane M. Christ. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage, motivate, interest and reward students in taking additional mathematics courses at John Jay College. The scholarship amount is $1,000 to award the recipient for taking the additional mathematics course beyond the 6 credits at John Jay College. Each year a minimum of 2 scholarships will be awarded, one in the fall and one in the spring semester. This scholarship is renewable.
Requirements:
- Are a full-time or part-time matriculated student
- Are in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA)
- Have taken at least 6 mathematics credits at John Jay College
- Are currently taking a mathematics course
Application Process:
- A letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science; and
- A 250-word essay explaining your interest in mathematics and/or how it can add to your field of study, in your career, or life in general.
Apply here
Corrine Matthews Memorial STEM Scholarship
The Corrine Matthews Memorial STEM Scholarship was created by Kenneth Thomas in memory of his great-aunt, Corrine, the most giving and charitable person that he has ever known.
Mr. Thomas grew up in public housing in the South Bronx, New York City, and received his B.A. from John Jay College in 2001. He established this scholarship to help provide opportunities for students who are experiencing similar challenges to those he faced in his youth. He is also a champion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Amount: $1,000 per year to be used for tuition or book expenses.
Requirements:
- Undergraduate in Junior or Senior year
- Major in any of the following subjects: Anthropology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Computer Science and Information Security, Criminology, Economics, Fire Science, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Science, Fraud.
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrate financial need, determined through a completed FAFSA
- Member of an underrepresented population
- New York City resident
- Preference will be given to students living in NYCHA
Application:
- Two letters of recommendation, one personal and one professional
- A 500-word essay (topic below):
- Please discuss the challenges you may have faced growing up in an urban community and how pursuing a STEM-related degree will allow you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Apply here
T-Mobile STEM Scholarship for Veterans
Created in recognition of the tremendous sacrifice and service of our veteran and military member students through the generous support of T-Mobile.
Award Amount: $2,500 annually for tuition and books; renewable up to 3 years.
Requirements:
- Exhibit good character
- Veteran or military member (active, reserve or National Guard)
- Good academic standing (2.0 or better for undergraduate students)
- Demonstrated financial need through a FAFSA
- A matriculated John Jay College student
- Enrolled in a STEM-related program (Applied Mathematics: Data Science and Cryptography (BS); Cell and Molecular Biology (BS); Computer Science and Information Security (BS);
- Forensic Science (BS); Toxicology (BS))
- Enrolled in 9 or more hours per semester/term
Application Process:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- In an essay of 400 words, please discuss: (1) your military to civilian transition, (2) the financial need(s) this scholarship would help you address your educational goals and career aspirations
Apply here
Cheryl Williams Student Presentation Scholarship
The Cheryl Williams Student Presentation Scholarship supports students interested in presenting at professional conferences up to $1,000.
Professor Williams, a valued member of the Psychology Department, was known for her outstanding dedication and commitment to her students.
In the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001, Cheryl rushed to aide survivors as a grief counselor at Ground Zero. Comforting and counseling countless individuals, Cheryl worked tirelessly in the midst of the chaos and debris without a mask or other form of protection. Tragically, Cheryl developed an aggressive form of lung cancer that eventually claimed her life.
Cheryl loved the students of John Jay and created this fund to ensure that learning and growth would be provided for them in the future.
Application Process:
- Interested undergraduate and graduate students must submit:
- A short abstract of the presentation (1 – 2 pages)
- A copy of your faculty approved paper or research
- One letter of nomination/recommendation (must be from a John Jay faculty member)
- Proof of participation in a conference (i.e. preliminary program)
- An estimated budget (including travel expenses)
Applications can also be submitted retroactively, after you have participated in a conference. If approved by the Scholarship Committee, students can receive up to a maximum of $1,000. Rolling Deadline; please submit an application at least 6-8 weeks prior to the professional conference that you plan on attending.
Apply here
Young Scholars Award
Are you interested in presenting your research at a conference but lack the appropriate funding? The Young Scholars Award promotes student participation at scholarly conferences.
Interested undergraduate and graduate students must submit:
Application Process:
- A short abstract of the presentation (1 – 2 pages)
- A copy of your faculty approved paper or research
- One letter of nomination/recommendation (must be from a John Jay faculty member)
- Proof of participation in a conference (i.e. preliminary program)
- An estimated budget (including travel expenses)
Applications can also be submitted retroactively, after you have participated in a conference. If approved by the Scholarship Committee, students can receive up to a maximum of $1,000. Rolling Deadline: please submit an application at least 6-8 weeks prior to the professional conference that you plan on attending.
Apply here
J. Edgar Hoover Scholarship for Forensic Science
Through the generous support of the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation, four scholarships are offered annually to students pursuing undergraduate studies in Forensic Science. These scholarships are presented based on a combination of merit and need, including individuals who may not have an opportunity for higher education. Many recipients are pursuing degrees in law and law enforcement related studies. This award is conferred based on a candidate’s interest in pursing a forensic science related career in law enforcement. Each organization solicits candidates and reviews them, then selects deserving recipients for the award.
Recipients are selected by the Hoover Scholarship Committee
Apply here
Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship
Michelle Lee grew up in Queens, NY and was an alumni of John Jay College, graduating with a BS in Forensic Science in 2007. She had just started working as a criminologist analyzing evidence in narcotics cases with the New York Police Department Crime Laboratory when her life was tragically cut short on April 27, 2009 at 24 years old.
Known to many as a caring and kind individual with a resilient exterior, Michelle’s spirit was incomparable and unbreakable. The Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship for Forensic Science was established by friends and family to celebrate Michelle’s life and honor her for years to come by providing opportunities to students from underserved communities.
Award Amount: $1,000 per year to be used for tuition expenses
Apply here
Rising Star Fellowship
The John Jay Rising Star Fellowship is a faculty--supported initiative for aspiring undergraduate students who show great promise. The Rising Star Fellowship provides funds to support students in any of the following three activities:
- An unpaid internship
- Study abroad
- Research assistantship
Each year up to three fellowships may be granted in the amount of $3,000 per fellowship.
Apply here
John Jay College Scholarships for Freshmen
Imre and Vera Hecht Scholarship
The Hecht Scholarship was established through a generous gift to the University from Imre and Vera Hecht. It is awarded to an entering freshman with a strong academic background, community or volunteer service, musical abilities, and financial need. Eligible students must have a minimum 90 high school average and a minimum combined SAT score of 1100 in Mathematics and Critical Reading. The scholarship provides $2,500 each year ($1,250 per semester) and is renewable up to 3 years if the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 and full-time academic status.
Eligibility:
- Entering freshman
- Strong academic background, community or volunteer service, musical abilities, and financial need
- Must have a minimum 90 high school average
- Minimum combined SAT score of 1100 in Mathematics and Critical Reading
Apply here
Rising Sophomore Scholarship
If you have completed 15-29 credits and a minimum GPA of 3.5, you may be eligible for the Rising Sophomore Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This scholarship may be awarded only once in a student's academic career.
Eligibility:
- Completed 15-29 credits
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
Apply here
Sebastiano "Sabby" Crecco Memorial Scholarship
The Sebastiano “Sabby” Crecco Memorial Scholarship was founded in memory of Sabby Crecco (1990-2009) by his family and friends. Sabby attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh where he was a freshman studying criminal justice. He was passionate about extreme sports, including skateboarding, snowboarding, dirt bikes and rally racing cars and was described by his family as an “adrenaline junkie.”
Like her brother, Samantha Crecco, a John Jay student and alumna, has a great passion for Criminal Justice. She received her BA in Criminal Justice in 2013 and her MA in Criminal Justice in 2016. The Crecco Family has graciously established this scholarship to honor Sabby’s memory here at John Jay.
Eligibility:
Entering first-year student at John Jay College
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related major
Applicants should have an interest or be involved in an activity widely considered an “extreme sport” (otherwise known as action or adventure sport)
Apply here
Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) - First in Family Scholarship
With roots from 130 nations, forty-seven percent of John Jay College students are considered “first-generation;” the first in their family to pursue a college education. First-generation college students often face unique personal, cultural, academic, and financial challenges. Their parents and other family members may not have the knowledge or life experiences to properly guide them through the college process. Due to these challenges, first-generation students are more likely to not complete a college degree than other students.
In light of the great diversity and perseverance of the John Jay College student population, the Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS), has graciously founded the EIHS - First in Family Scholarship. The scholarship was created in recognition of the challenges faced by first generation students and families. It provides financial support to foster “first in family” student success.
The scholarship provides up to $2,500 per year to two, first-generation college students at John Jay College. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years.
Eligibility:
- First-generation college student, defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree at a four-year college/university’
- Demonstrate financial need, determined through a completed FAFSA
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 or better