Science Pathways Scholars Program (SP)² and E(SP)²

A program for underrepresented minority, first-generation, and low-income students.

The Science Pathways Scholars Program – (SP)² – is a highly selective four-year program to support talented young women from Black, Native American, and Latina backgrounds, low-income, or first-generation college students, who convey strong interest in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, physics/astronomy, or neuroscience. Students who are selected as (SP)² Scholars will benefit from an exceptional set of opportunities and resources.

E(SP)² is a NSF funded program to prepare the next generation of diverse leaders in Environmental Science. The program is designed for students who intend on pursuing one of the majors in the Department of Environmental Science (Environmental Science or Environment and Sustainability) with an interest in Environmental Science, Sustainability or Environmental Justice. The goal is to increase and diversify the Environmental Science major and workforce.

Faculty Mentorship

Personal match with a faculty mentor in the sciences. Mentors will help Scholars transition through the introductory science classes to the selection of a major. Scholars will work closely with their mentors, who will serve as their initial academic advisors and help Scholars match to research experiences.

Summer Experience

A week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to Barnard for entering Scholars. Activities will include introductions to Barnard’s science faculty, science departments, and research facilities, plus daily activities with current students involved in Barnard’s Summer Research Institute.

Networking Activities

A regular series of seminars, discussion sessions, and social events with other (SP)² and E(SP)² participants and Barnard alumnae working in the sciences. Scheduled throughout all four undergraduate years at Barnard, these events will help build a collaborative and engaging environment.

Paid Summer Research Positions

During the three summers of a Scholar’s years at Barnard, hands-on lab research experiences with Barnard faculty will be available. Scholars will receive compensation and summer housing through Barnard’s Summer Research Institute.

Academic Year Opportunities

Opportunities to conduct research in faculty labs during academic year, plus funding available to help Scholars complete their Senior Projects.

Faculty mentorship is a cornerstone of these programs. Students are assigned a faculty mentor in their first year who will guide them through the program and science opportunities. For more information about the faculty mentors, click on their bios below. 

Rachel Austin (Chemistry)
Elizabeth Bauer (Neuroscience)
John Glendinning (Biology)
Reshmi Mukherjee (Physics and Astronomy)
Sedelia Rodriguez  (Environmental Science)
Mark Santolucito (Computer Science)
Rebecca Wright (Computer Science)
 

Eligibility for (SP)²

• Students must be applying to Barnard as first-year students.
• Students must demonstrate a strong interest in the sciences. Student must major in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, physics/astronomy or neuroscience to continue in the program all 4 years.
• Students must be members of an underrepresented minority in the sciences (Black, Native American or Latina), low-income, or a first-generation student with parents who did not complete a four-year college degree.

Eligibility for E(SP)²

• Science PEERs (people historically excluded from science based on ethnicity and race, i.e. BIPOC) as well as first generation or low income (FGLI) students who have demonstrated a commitment to science with a strong interest in environmental science are eligible to apply at the time of admission to Barnard or during the spring semester of their first year.
• For admission to Barnard in Fall 2023, if you are invited to interview for (SP)² you will have the opportunity to opt into consideration for E(SP)².
• Students with less science experience are encouraged to apply during their first year. Students in the CSTEP and HEOP programs are specifically encouraged to apply during the Spring semester of their first year. Note that GPA is not the sole measure being considered during the application process, with passion and clear interest in pursuing a career in environmental science being considered.

How do I apply?

​Step 1

All applicants to Barnard College who meet the criteria outlined above are eligible. Submit your application to Barnard by November 1 for Early Decision or January 1 for Regular Decision. Indicate your interest in E(SP)² or (SP)² on the application, and include the required additional materials:

a) Complete the required short essay outlining your interest in pursuing science and science research.
b) Submit a recommendation from a science teacher or science mentor.

Step 2

Pre-screened students will be invited to interview via phone or virtually with faculty from the E(SP)² and (SP)² committee in late winter/early spring. 

Step 3

Students admitted to Barnard will be notified of their selection as E(SP)² or (SP)² Scholars, along with admission in late March.