PISCES SCHOLARS
@ Bridgewater State University

for students majoring in math, computer science, cyber security, chemistry, geology, physics, or photonics/optical engineering

Scholarship &
Mentoring Program

$7,000 STEM scholarship per year

Renewable for 4 years with financial need

Earn an additional $450 per semester for
research or service

Paid opportunities to do research and build skills

Optional Free Mathematics Class in summer 2025 to get
a head start on your major.

Faculty and Professional STEM Mentors & Coaches

Support for PISCES Scholars
@ BSU

Academic Coach for all first year students
Faculty Mentor for four years
Professional STEM Coach who works in your area of interest
Training to conduct research in your first year
A Paid Position to engage in research in your major or area.
Supported, Optional, and Free Mathematics class in summer before your first semester to get a head start.
Specialized Curriculum connecting science & society
Classes taken with other PISCES Scholars

Supporting Inclusion and Diversity

Bridgewater State University is committed to racial and social justice. Through the Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity, the Pride Center, and the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics student organization IAMSSTEM, all students will find ways to contribute to, and be supported by, the BSU community.

PISCES supports students who are eligible for need-based financial aid with additional scholarships and mentoring. It provides academic and co-curricular opportunities including tutoring, study groups, early opportunities to conduct research, service learning, and support for participation in STEM and social justice student organizations. Through these activities, PISCES will diversify the STEM workforce and provide opportunities for life-altering personal advancement to students and their families.

The PISCES Research Program

In your first year, you can conduct genuine research (and get paid for it)!

In the PISCES Research Program, you will complete your required First Year Seminar requirement. The seminar will help you learn how to conduct research and will prepare you to make the most of your time at BSU.

After this first year, you can be paid to do research during the semester of your sophomore and junior years. PISCES will be pay you $900 for working on research about four hours per week. You'll be the first students in your class to learn how to use BSU's advanced research equipment.

Is the PISCES Scholar program right for me?

All PISCES Scholars are curious about the world, are committed to learning, and are eager to pursue a career in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics, or photonics and optical engineering.

PISCES Scholars must qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA application. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you need help with your FAFSA application, or contact Thomas Kling or Vignon Oussa at the email / numbers below with questions.

FAQs

How do I apply?
On the Application page, you will provide short responses (about 150 words) about your interests and motivations in science and mathematics. BSU's Financial Aid Office will work with the PISCES Team to determine if you are financially eligible for the scholarship. You should let the PISCES Team know the name of a teacher or school counselor who knows your strengths and interest in STEM.
When should I apply, and when will I find out if I'm accepted?
The third cohort of PISCES Scholars will begin at BSU in Fall 2025. Most potential scholars will hear about their program acceptance with their BSU acceptance or shortly after. Students who apply before March 1, 2025 will receive priority consideration. You must complete a FAFSA application by March 1, 2025.
What must I do to keep the Scholarship and receive the $450 stipends each semester?
The $7,000 annual scholarship will renew if you remain financially eligible through the FAFSA form, maintain a 2.7 GPA overall and in STEM, and continue to major in chemistry, computer science, cyber security, geology, mathematics, physics, or photonics and optical engineering. Each semester, you will arrange with Thomas Kling to determine an activity (research, mentoring, tutoring, service, participating in a club) for that semester, and you will receive $450 for those activities.
What sort of student becomes a PISCES Scholar?
PISCES Scholars might have been high flyers in high school, or might have been students who were really interested in STEM, but struggled because of family or work commitments. All PISCES Scholars will be talented and committed to being the best scientist, mathematician or engineer they can be. The Scholarship, mentoring, academic and co-curricular supports are there to help you reach your full potential.
Learning to do research in my first year? That sounds scary.
BSU has a lot of experience helping students learn to do research very early on. This is one of the best ways to learn about science and get a head start. It is absolutely right for you!