HOWARD

UNIVERSITY

Bison STEM Scholars Program

November 18, 2016

Dear Principals and Guidance Counselors:

My name is Ronald (Ron) H. Smith and I have recently joined Howard University to lead a new and
exciting initiative called the Bison STEM Scholars Program.

The Bison STEM Scholars Program (BSSP) is designed to attract and prepare high-achieving high
school students. This Program is modeled after successful comprehensive scholarship programs
implemented nationally, notably the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland,
Baltimore County (UMBC). Students who are selected for the program are expected to ultimately
pursue, a PhD, or MD/PhD. Students are required to major in a STEM-related discipline and they
are required to reside on campus. The purpose of the BSSP is to challenge students through
rigorous preparation and to create an environment/community of interdependent scholars who are
focused on academic excellence. The Program will also focus on building a global perspective to
prepare its students to live, prosper and contribute to a world that is increasingly diverse and global
in nature.

The Bison STEM Scholars Program presents an opportunity for academically talented students
interested in STEM fields to become thinkers, researchers, educators and leading practitioners.
Howard University is a leader in producing Black STEM PhDs. However, according to the research
conducted by the American Institutes for Research; Black students complete doctoral degrees in
STEM fields overall at disproportionately low rates. This program will expand and extend the reach
of Howard University’s leadership role in producing more students immersed in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics that will change the landscape in higher education.

The BSSP will incorporate key components such as mentoring, tutoring, in-group support, high
expectations, financial support, personal advising and counseling, summer bridge, family support
and study groups which research has shown leads to student success in such programs. To be
considered, students must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher, at least a “B” in
college-preparatory science and mathematics courses, outstanding SAT scores (at least 600 on
SAT math and at least 500 English), and be U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Recipients will
receive scholarship support for tuition/fees, room, board, meals and a stipend for books.

For a focused, high-achieving student, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. I am asking that you take
a moment to identify students that meet the profile above and nominate them using the enclosed
nomination form. You may use this form to nominate as many students that meet the criteria as
you like. Nominations are due back to me on or before December 12, 2016.

For questions, you can reach me at ronald.smith1@howard.edu or (202) 806-5029.

Sincerely,

Ron H. Smith
Program Director

2395 6th Street, NW, 2nd Floor Telephone (202) 806-5029

Washington, DC 20059 Facsimile (202) 806-4971
www.howard.edu