Student Financial Support Opportunity
GEOPAths Stipend Program
Earth and Environmental Science Department
Western Oregon University
Background Information
The Western Oregon University Earth and Environmental Science (EES) program recently secured a three-year GEOPAths (Pathways into the Geosciences – Earth, Ocean, Polar, and Atmospheric Sciences) grant from the National Science Foundation for approximately $420,000. This funding aims to bolster undergraduate engagement in the Earth and Environmental Science program through course-based training, service learning, and skill development.
Spearheaded by Co-Principal Investigators Geology Professors Steve Taylor and Jeff Templeton, the project centers on the vital theme of water in the environment.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the project places an emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups such as minorities, females, low-income individuals, and first-generation college students.
A key project objective is to inspire diverse student populations to pursue careers in the geosciences, including water resources, energy, environmental restoration, geospatial technology, land management, Earth materials, geologic hazards mitigation, and natural resource governance.
By providing $5000 annual stipends to students, the project aims to cultivate learning cohorts, work-based experiences, and mentorship opportunities that empower participants and enhance their sense of belonging in the field.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible students can receive up to $5000 in annual support, for a duration of two academic years if qualifying criteria are met and maintained.
Eligible candidates should be from qualifying underrepresented groups and/or rural-first generation college populations, and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and/or other supporting financial documentation.
To receive stipend awards, recipients must be:
- Enrolled full time at WOU (i.e., register for a minimum of 12 credit hours each term during the participation period)
- Formally declared as an Earth and Environmental Science (EES) major at WOU
- Maintain a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Complete all EES related course work with a grade of “C-” or better.
In addition to the above minimum criteria, continuing project participants must demonstrate and maintain active engagement as a student scholar in the Earth and Environmental Science academic community with co-curricular activities such as community service, career pathway exploration, internships, individualized research, and/or other relevant professional development endeavors as developed in consultation with faculty mentors.
For more information, contact Dr. Steve Taylor via email: taylors@mail.wou.edu
Application Instructions
Project stipend funding will begin in Fall Term 2025 for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, and will continue on a rolling basis through Spring Term 2027. To apply for consideration, complete the online application form.
Applications received by Friday March 3, 2025 will receive priority consideration for the initial stipend award round for Fall Term 2025. However, prospective students can still submit applications after that date on a rolling basis for the duration of the project.
Applications will be reviewed within the month following submission, outcomes and notifications will be sent out via email shortly thereafter.
About the WOU Earth and Environmental Science Program: The Earth and Environmental Science program at Western Oregon University provides a liberal arts education in geoscience with an emphasis on scientific methods, problem solving, and interdisciplinary science education. A key objective of the program is to prepare undergraduates for careers as professional geoscientists and educators. The program also promotes the development of an informed citizenry for wise decision-making on issues related to natural resources, environmental quality, and sustainability in Oregon and beyond.
