The University of North Floridahas received $1 million from a Gainesville radiation oncologist and longtime supporter to help attract and retain promising science, technology, engineering and math students.
The Schilling STEM Scholarship funded by Dr. Paul Schilling will provide "financial support to high-achieving students who aspire to make an impact in STEM fields critical to innovation and scientific discovery," according to UNF.
"Science, technology, engineering and math are the keys to the future of our nation and of humanity," Schilling said. "STEM scholarships decrease financial burden, opening a horizon of support and focused study."
Students are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years. The first
class entered UNF this fall with 23 members, including Yahilyn Rodriguez, a freshman studying biomedical sciences and the first in her family to attend college.
"I have always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician and this scholarship is making that dream come true," she said.
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: New $1 million scholarship fund aids UNF STEM students
