Scholarships

The Honors College and Early Identification Program Partner to Promote Inclusive Excellence

gsehgal2 — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:08:34 +0000

The Honors College and Early Identification Program Partner to Promote Inclusive Excellence gsehgal2 Mon, 08/14/2023 - 15:08

In This Story

Nadeen Makhlouf

Aimee Weinstein

At Mason, a dedication to promoting inclusion is part of what drives our mission as a university; the Honors College and Early Identification Program (EIP) work together to foster inclusive excellence. For the last decade, the Honors College and EIP have closely collaborated to develop an enriching program for first generation college students in Northern Virginia, including the College Application Coaches program and the Research and Discovery Seminar as part of EIP’s Summer Academy.

The partnership works to supplement EIP’s year-round academic enrichment and personal and social development program for middle and high school college-bound first-generation college students, while supporting the Honors College’s commitment to promoting access to impactful academic, civic, and professional experiences for motivated students.

“The partnership has allowed for us to think of creative ways to be the premier providers of opportunities for students, to adjust and refine our practices, and to enhance our sustained engagement with the students,” says EIP Executive Director Dr. Khaseem Davis. That creativity is reflected in EIP’s collaboration with the Honors College.

Created in 1987, the Early Identification Program works with seven public school systems in Northern Virginia, serving students who will be the first of their family to attend college in the U.S. The program helps students prepare for college while gaining a familiarity with the American higher education system that will enable them to confidently navigate the college application process.

“Many students grew up with few resources and help support and sustain their households, all the while performing extremely well academically,” says Dr. Davis. “These students enter EIP displaying a great deal of grit, fortitude, and resilience. Our task is how can we get our students to view themselves as scholars? How can we help them see a snapshot of the rigor and opportunity that exists at Mason?”

Beginning in eighth grade and continuing through their senior year of high school, EIP students participate in a series of programs designed to further cultivate their intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential. This includes the annual three-week Summer Academy where students explore their academic, professional, and civic interests.

During Summer Academy, Honors College instructors and student mentors host the Research and Discovery Seminar – an abridged version of the first-semester research course HNRS 110: Principles of Research and Inquiry – to introduce rising high school sophomores to the research process. EIP students engage in inquiry-based learning in the college classroom by developing a project around their own curiosity and interests. In the process, they build skills and experiences that can bolster their college applications later.

Dr. Nadeen Makhlouf prepares current Honors College students to become mentors for the Research and Discovery Seminar in her class, HNRS 261: Peer Mentorship in Honors. Through this community connection practicum, students assist in developing the summer seminar and learn how to plan and lead class sessions, facilitate conversations, and support idea generation. Providing insight into the language, processes and dynamics of college life, the student mentors help to illustrate how EIP students can take advantage of various resources and opportunities while in college.

During the spring of their junior year of high school, these same EIP students will be paired with Honors College students enrolled in HNRS 261: College Application Coaches. College Application Coaches help EIP students brainstorm, develop, and workshop resumes and essays to help create strong college applications. Coaches learn how to provide effective mentorship and support students in their drive and readiness to succeed in a higher education environment. Since 2016, the Honors College has supported over 900 EIP students with College Application Coaches.

Earning credit, building transferable skills, learning about and addressing access issues – through both Mr. Makhlouf’s Peer Mentorship in Honors and Dr. Aimee Weinstein’s College Application Coaches classes, student mentors and coaches themselves have many opportunities to develop while using their talents to promote inclusivity at Mason.

For Dr. Makhlouf, this is the highlight of her work: “any of the moments where I see mentors walk away feeling good that they got someone excited about college or research,” she shares, is a rewarding moment for her.

EIP students graduate from the program prepared to achieve their higher education goals and have a fulfilling Mason and Honors College experience. They enter with faculty and peer connections, familiarity with research, and increased confidence that will serve them well in college and beyond. Each year EIP alumni accepted to the Honors College are among those awarded full tuition scholarships. Currently 21 EIP alumni are part of the University Scholars Program that four-year, full-tuition scholarships to a cohort of outstanding Honors College students. Three of the current EIP alumni are also College of Science Promise Scholars who receive additional support that covers their full cost of attendance plus a grant to fund research while they are at Mason.

“These students may not have had the same opportunities before joining EIP,” said Dr. Davis, “but they embody excellence.” Through the partnership between EIP and the Honors College, these students have the opportunity to show this excellence in action.

Topics

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Kristen Alleyne Leverages Mason Resources and Determination to be named a CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholar

gsehgal2 — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:54:27 +0000

Kristen Alleyne Leverages Mason Resources and Determination to be named a CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholar gsehgal2 Mon, 07/17/2023 - 09:54

In This Story

Megan Bruening, Ph.D.

Committed to making a difference in the wellbeing of others, Kristen Alleyne, a rising senior and University Scholar in the Honors College, pursued opportunities to gain first-hand experience addressing public health issues. The community health major and health information technology minor expanded her search for scholarships and fellowships beyond those common among Mason applicants. When she discovered the John R. Lewis Center for Disease Control Undergraduate Public Health Scholarship Program, Alleyne sought out the support of the Office of Fellowships to create a strong application. Her motivated searches paid off, as she has recently been named a 2023 Public Health Scholar.

The John R. Lewis CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars program “provides students, particularly those from populations that are underrepresented in public health professions, with career-building public health experiences” to equip them with the tools required to succeed in the field. The program places scholars from across the country at top public health programs; Alleyne will join a cohort at the University of California at Los Angeles, spending her summer gaining hands-on experience in public health. Alleyne says that this will provide her with a unique opportunity to “be exposed to some new challenges that are faced on the west coast.”

Once Alleyne discovered the Public Health Scholars program, she took it to the Office of Fellowships, which is a “one stop shop for students” seeking help on the process of applying for scholarships and fellowships. For the first-generation student originally from Guyana, the support from the Office was critical: “As a first-generation student,” she says, “I did not know the specific ways to answer the peculiar questions on fellowship applications. The questions on the application may seem simple, but the way you answer them can make or break your application.” Alleyne was connected to the Director of the Office of Fellowships, Dr. Megan Bruening, and they worked together to craft a well-rounded application that reflected Alleyne’s interests and experience.

Alleyne says that with the help from the Honors College at George Mason, she has been encouraged to examine her beliefs and way of thinking to develop a broader worldview and breadth of involvement in her communities. Alleyne takes up the challenge through her diverse student involvement around campus. Besides her interest in public health, she is the President of the Caribbean Student Association and Patriots for Health Assistance, a triple jumper on the Track and Field Team, and was also a Substance Use Peer Educator with the Student Support and Advocacy Center. Alleyne’s successful application to the John R. Lewis CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholarship benefited from her well-rounded experience and involvement at Mason.

Whether a student brings in a fellowship like Alleyne, or needs help finding one, the Office of Fellowships is there for them every step of the way to help navigate the complex process. One of Dr. Bruening’s goals in the office is to reach students who have been and are still marginalized in higher education. This extends from first-generation students and students of color to LGBTQIA+ students as well. Dr Bruening says that “Fellowships are a transformative opportunity for social justice and change. I strongly believe that the opportunities these fellowships provide are ways that students can break down barriers and can make positive changes, both for themselves but also for their communities and eventually for the world.”

Kristen Alleyne is one of those students breaking down barriers. Dr. Bruening says that her passion for the different intersectional ways to view public health helped her win the competitive award. “Alleyne came into the office with ideas about how to positively benefit different communities through public health, particularly women, but she also displayed an interest in sports, global health, epidemiology, and information systems as well.” By working together, Dr. Bruening and Alleyne connected these ideas and brought them together in a cohesive application.

Looking back, Alleyne is grateful to the Office of Fellowships for giving her “valuable feedback, guidance, and support throughout the application journey. Dr. Bruening helped me to remove any anxiety I had about the application process and reinforced that I was well equipped with the skills needed to not only apply to the program, but get in.”

Alleyne’s advice to students who are interested in getting involved with the Office of Fellowships is to “Kick the fear away. Whenever in doubt, ask for help. Sometimes we think we know it all, but there are so many people who are better equipped to do the things we think we can do.” With the help of the Honors College and the Office of Fellowships, Alleyne is looking forward to seeing public health through a new lens by engaging in a challenging and invigorating environment with the Public Health Scholars program.

Topics

Public Health

Office of Fellowships

first-generation

Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC)

Scholarships

Schar School Seniors’ Peripatetic Childhoods Shaped Interests in National Security, Help Win Scholarships

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:21:15 +0000

Schar School Seniors’ Peripatetic Childhoods Shaped Interests in National Security, Help Win Scholarships Andrew J Schappert Tue, 07/11/2023 - 08:21

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Aarush Jambunathan: ‘All of my Schar [School] classes have had a major effect on me, and they've consistently been my favorites.’ Photos by Honors College Communication Team

Two rising Schar School of Policy and Government seniors are among the 10 George Mason University recipients of the competitive Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship presented earlier this year at the Mason Honors College 15th Annual Research Exhibition and Awards ceremony.

Funded by Peraton, a Northern-Virginia cyber-oriented national security contractor, the scholarship is named for Shea, the CEO of the firm and the 2022 Mason commencement speaker. The scholarship awards future leaders in the national security field up to $10,000 towards their academic studies. To receive the scholarship, recipients must submit a 1,500-word essay detailing their forward-thinking solutions to current and future national security issues as well as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resumé. They are also interviewed by a panel of judges. This year there were nearly 200 applications for the award.

The two Schar School recipients are Aarush Jambunathan, a member of the Schar School’s new one-of-a-kind bachelor’s degree program in International Security and Law, and Sebastian Rodinov, a government and international politics major.

Jambunathan, who said he developed resiliency and adaptability as a child moving around the globe with his family, is the Speaker Pro Tempore of Mason’s student government and is spending the summer in London as a research intern for the nonprofit Action on Armed Violence.

While both Jambunathan and Rodionov received this award as students in the Honors College, it was Schar School professors and related opportunities that had the greatest impact on obtaining their scholarships.

“All of my Schar [School] classes have had a major effect on me, and they've consistently been my favorites,” said Jambunathan. “Specific to the scholarship essay, it was former ambassador Greg Delawie’s diplomacy course. A lot of the things I wrote about were line items learned in the course.” Delawie was ambassador to Kosovo from 2015 to 2018.

Sebastian Rodinov: ‘I’m a very social person who enjoys collaboration, which is why a degree in diplomacy and policy at the Schar School is much more meaningful to me.’

Like his classmate, Rodinov also experienced a peripatetic childhood. Born in Novosibirsk, Russia’s third-largest city, he emigrated to the United States with his mother, an American citizen, and moved from San Francisco to Chicago to Maryland before landing at Mason.

Interests in national security and foreign policy are recent developments, he said. In the beginning, he was a science, technology, engineering, and math major.

“I was given advice to move away from STEM,” he said, “because people in those fields work long hours and in work in isolated situations, and I’m a very social person who enjoys collaboration, which is why a degree in diplomacy and policy at the Schar School is much more meaningful to me.”

For Rodionov, it was a Schar School study-abroad trip to Cuba which ultimately inspired the contents for his winning essay. Instead of proposing unique, forward-looking solutions to modern security challenges, Rodionov instead proposed what he could potentially gain from an insider perspective in Cuba.

“[The United States] doesn’t pay attention to developments in Cuba, and we don’t send people there,” he said. “It was interesting to get their perspective on what goes on in their country and how their people feel.”

For now, the future looks bright for these Schar School seniors. While Jambunathan will continue to use his talents towards becoming a foreign service officer, Rodionov looks forward to allocating his scholarship funds to a master’s degree program in international relations.

Topics

Scholarships

Government and International Politics

Gregory Delawie

Stu Shea Peraton Scholarship

Schar School of Policy and Government

Schar School News July 2023

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Jasmine Okidi Named Mason's First Beinecke Scholar

Wasiq Muhammad Muhammad Ali — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:12:06 +0000

Jasmine Okidi Named Mason's First Beinecke Scholar Wasiq Muhammad… Fri, 04/15/2022 - 17:12

Jasmine Okidi, a third-year University Scholar studying English, was selected as Mason’s first-ever recipient of the Beinecke Scholarship. The award, which was established in 1971 by the Board of Directors of The Sperry and Hutchinson Company to honor Edwin, Frederick, and Walter Beinecke, supports graduate study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

As early as her freshman year’s Principles of Research and Inquiry (HNRS 110) course, Okidi has demonstrated her commitment to multi-dimensional and interrogative research. Okidi, who is from Kampala, Uganda, utilized her HNRS 110 coursework to explore community-inclusive strategies to address wetland degradation in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.

In her initial investigation of the wetland degradation in Kampala, Okidi featured a proactive three-phase plan for educating the public on the current state of the area: 1) survey the community, 2) spread information, and 3) assess how perceptions are influenced. Afterwards, Okidi went on to develop the project under OSCAR’s Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP), investigating the political ecology of Kampala’s wetland management.

Alongside her passion for conservation, Okidi’s interests in African and African diasporic literature, ecocriticism, and Black feminist ecologies highlight the strength of her academic prowess and reflect the interdisciplinary nature of scholarship within the Honors College. Whilst keeping in line with this tradition of scholarly excellence at Mason, Okidi blazes a trail for future Beinecke scholars in the Honors College.

Each recipient of the Beinecke scholarship receives $4,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school which Okidi looks forward to using in her pursuit of a PhD in Africana Studies and exploring race and ethnicity, gender, and environment in Ugandan literature and culture.

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Alexandra Anderson from George Mason University Awarded SMART Scholarship

Wasiq Muhammad Muhammad Ali — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:06:14 +0000

Alexandra Anderson from George Mason University Awarded SMART Scholarship Wasiq Muhammad… Tue, 04/12/2022 - 13:06

Alexandra Anderson, a BS Honors College student-athlete at George Mason University (GMU) was awarded the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship.

This award provides students with full tuition for up to five years, mentorship, summer internships, a stipend and full-time employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. This unique opportunity offers students hands-on experience at one of over 200 innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force and larger Department of Defense. During summer internships, SMART scholars work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining valuable technical skills. After graduation Anderson will work at The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in Springfield, VA.

Anderson is currently studying Computer Science, with a minor in Intelligence Studies while playing NCAA Division I softball for GMU. Anderson said, “I am SO excited and blessed to announce that I have been named a recipient of The Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program for 2022! A huge thank you to everyone involved for this amazing opportunity! I especially want to thank God and my parents! I cannot wait for what the future holds!” about the award.

The Department of Defense is committed to developing the Nation's STEM talent and is the largest employer of federal scientists and engineers with nearly 150,000 civilian STEM employees working across the Department. DoD STEM activities support this mission by providing authentic learning experiences through a variety of education and outreach initiatives, such as the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program. For over a decade, SMART has trained a highly skilled STEM workforce that competes with the evolving trends of industry to support the next generation of science and technology for our nation.

For more information on the SMART Program or to learn how students can apply, please visit www.smartscholarship.org . The application is open annually from August through December.

ABOUT THE SMART PROGRAM

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of the Department of Defense.

Contact: Outreach@smartscholarship.org

Topics

U.S. Department of Defense

computer science

Scholarships

Incoming freshmen are first recipients of the I-Achieve Scholarships

Colleen Rich — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 09:00:18 +0000

Incoming freshmen are first recipients of the I-Achieve Scholarships Colleen Rich Thu, 09/03/2020 - 05:00

Kristen Alleyne

Kristen Alleyne and Elene Lipartiani, incoming freshmen at George Mason University, have been honored with I-Achieve scholarships for academic excellence. The awards are being given for the first time this year, as part of a grant Mason received from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation last fall.

The scholarships are intended for students who graduated from Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) and will be attending Mason as University Scholars in the Honors College. EIP is an extensive outreach program for first-generation college students in the Northern Virginia area. EIP provides access to educational resources for students from seven local public-school systems and is intended to equip students with skills that will help them become lifelong learners, leaders and responsible global citizens.

“The scholarships enable Mason to attract and retain some of the most motivated first-generation students who have completed Mason’s EIP program,” said Richard Todd Stafford, director of communications for Mason’s Honors College.

“Both of these students have impressive and interesting credentials,” said Eva Bramesco, associate director of undergraduate admissions and director of the University Scholars Program. “They blow you away with what they have already accomplished.”

Elene Lipartiani

Khaseem F. Davis, EIP director, said that both students will do well at Mason.

“Their intellectual curiosity, hard work and pursuit of excellence were evident from their first day in EIP,” Davis said.

Lipartiani, 18, moved to the United States from the Republic of Georgia in 2007.

“It was an experience,” Lipartiani said. “I didn’t completely understand the language or the cultural aspects of being in the U.S., so I did end up feeling a bit isolated.”

Lipartiani ended up as an EIP student, making friends and finishing Oakton High School with a 4.2 grade point average and an interest in mental health and psychology.

“I love understanding people and what makes them tick, getting into their brains and being able to help them,” said Lipartiani. She wants to study neuroscience to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alleyne, 17, was born in Guyana, and came to the United States in 2012. Focused on church and public service, Alleyne served on Volunteer Arlington’s MLK Day of Service Advisory Council. This summer, she received Volunteer Arlington’s Youth Service Award.

An EIP student, Alleyne graduated Washington-Liberty High School as a valedictorian and is a member of the National Honor Society. She served as president of her school’s Black Student Union and captain of the track and field team.

Alleyne plans to study community health at Mason and wants to become an epidemiologist.

“When the Ebola virus was rampant, I was fascinated with trying to understand how it spread and how different countries were containing it,” Alleyne said. “Now with COVID-19, I am really seeing how important epidemiologists are. It involves a great combination of science and leadership skills.”

Bramesco said that both Alleyne and Lipartiani received the I-Achieve scholarships because of a belief that “they will go on to do great things.”

“It is an investment in their future,” Bramesco said.

Incoming freshman Taurus Patterson picked Mason as a “second home” for himself

Colleen Rich — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 09:00:21 +0000

Incoming freshman Taurus Patterson picked Mason as a “second home” for himself Colleen Rich Fri, 08/28/2020 - 05:00

University Scholar Taurus Patterson (in orange) checks on the food offerings at Ike's with his family. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

When Taurus Patterson was looking at colleges, George Mason University struck him right away as a place that he could call a “second home.”

“I felt like I would be welcome,” said Patterson, 18. “Everyone I met was so nice, and it didn’t seem forced. When I visited the campus, people just started talking to me, and it was so natural. I already felt like I belonged.”

Patterson is a member of Mason’s Honors College, a University Scholar and a recipient of the Merten-Womble Scholarship. He says he’s looking forward to studying finance in the School of Business, and is considering a second major in public administration.

“A long time ago, I wanted to be president, and then I wanted to be a financial consultant,” Patterson said. “Really, I have a passion for both finance and politics, so I would like to be able to combine these interests.”

Honors College student Taurus Patterson's family helped him move into his residence hall. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Born in Chesterfield, Virginia, Patterson graduated in the spring from the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, a regional public high school in Richmond. Over the past few years, Patterson has worked at several fast food restaurants, which he says helped him learn how to interact with customers. He also said his time in the fast food industry made him think about what goes into making a business successful.

A diligent student, Patterson participated in a variety of civic-related extracurricular activities, including student government.

“I tried to run for student president twice and failed twice,” Patterson said. “I would get a little nervous toward the end when I had to make a speech, but I kept trying. I am a determined person.”

Patterson also loves learning new languages. After taking Spanish for several years, Patterson decided to also learn Italian, excelling in both. For two years, he received medals for his performance on the National Italian Exam Contest.

“Taurus is a hard worker. He also has a keen interest and a natural ability when it comes to languages,” said Susan Hefty, his high school Italian teacher.

Hefty predicts that Patterson will do well in college and beyond because of his work ethic, leadership skills and talents. In addition, Hefty said, Patterson is just a kind person.

“He’s genuinely caring and giving. He is a unique, special person, who will get as much as he can out of his education,” Hefty said. “He’ll make Mason proud.”