Boosting Access to Data Science Scholarship Program

Students with laptops in a classroom

The Boosting Access to Data Science Scholarship program is funded through a Scholarships in STEM (S-STEM) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This scholarship program is designed to provide financial support to reduce college costs for academically talented students with financial need.  This program is open to new undergraduates accepted into Informatics and to community college transfer students interested in careers in data science who transfer to UMass into either the Computer Science or the Informatics major. This scholarship is available to new students enrolling in Spring or Fall 2024.

Benefits of Becoming a Boosting Access to Data Science Scholar

This scholarship program includes both financial assistance and multiple programs supporting students’ success at UMass. These benefits include:

  • Up to $10,000 a year to cover costs of attendance, depending on financial need
  • A new laptop
  • Dedicated faculty advisors
  • Multiple group events designed to build community, make professional connections, and support success.A peer mentor
  • Funding to travel to a professional conference
  • Opportunity to participate in EMBER—a 1-credit research experience class
  • A Saturday bootcamp focused on data science tools and techniques for transfer students
  • First chance at a spot in special CICS RAPs (Residence Hall Programs) for first-year, 4-year students

Eligibility Guidelines

The Boosting Access to Data Science Scholarship program requires applicants to have demonstrated financial need that is established by a submitted FAFSA, and applicants must submit a scholarship application. This scholarship program is open to admitted students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Eligible scholars will be full-time, new first-year students admitted into the Informatics major or new community college transfer students interested in careers in data science and admitted into either the Computer Science or the Informatics Major. The program is designed to help fund and support all years of students’ study at UMass, so long as eligibility guidelines continue to be met.

Boosting Access to Data Science Scholars will be invited to join a range of cohort-based activities that are designed to build confidence, support academic success, and provide career preparation.