Pursuers of online degrees in science can apply for scholarships

Pursuers of online degrees in science can apply for scholarships

Hispanic students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in on-campus or online universities may seek financial aid and internship opportunities, such as those offered by Merck and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.

The pharmaceutical company and organization recently announced the winners of their 2009 Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholarship programs.

To encourage Hispanic college students to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) sectors, the program selected 25 degree candidates to receive one-time $2,000 scholarships.

Scholars Packages totaling $42,500 were also given to 10 high school seniors planning to major in STEM-related subjects. The awards will be disbursed over the next four years in the form of tuition assistance and stipends for summer research internships at the Merck Institute for Science Education.

By providing financial assistance and work experience opportunities to the winners, the program aims to "improve student performance and participation in science" and "increase Hispanic college graduation rates in STEM fields," said Carlo Parravano, the institute's director.

Latino students who have demonstrable academic achievement and are enrolled or planning to enroll in a classroom-based or online bachelors degree program are eligible to apply for next year's awards.