The Paschal Scholarship Program provides a unique opportunity for talented women to pursue careers in mathematics, computer science, computer information systems and engineering. Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Paschal scholars will not only receive a scholarship, but also participate in a learning community.

A mentoring program will help to prepare students for careers in industry, government and education, as well as assist students in exploring options for graduate studies. For freshmen and sophomores, the emphasis of the mentoring program will be on academic success and achievement. In addition to mentoring, Paschal scholars will have the opportunity to attend a speakers program, in which outside speakers address topics of interest for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Paschal Scholarship Program is named for Rosa Catherine Paschal, the first person to earn a mathematics degree from Meredith College.

Paschal Scholars shall receive a scholarship of up to $3,125 per year, with the option of yearly renewal for up to four years or as appropriate. To become a Paschal Scholar, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a United States citizen, refugee, alien, or a permanent resident alien at the time of application.

2. Be enrolled full-time at Meredith College. Students must also be declared majors in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Mathematics or Engineering, or have signed a letter of intent to major in one of these disciplines.

3. Demonstrate academic potential and ability. Entering freshman scholars must have a combined SAT score of at least 1050, a score of at least 550 on the quantitative portion of the SAT, or equivalent ACT scores. An unweighted academic high school GPA of at least 3.0 (as determined by the admissions office) is required of entering freshman scholars, while transfer and current Meredith students will need to have at least a 3.0 GPA on all college work and at least a 3.0 GPA for courses in the major.

4. All Paschal Scholar applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Assistance. The FAFSA can be filed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Meredith’s code is 002945.

5. Prospective applicants will be required to write an essay about their perspective on their proposed major and possible career goals. The essay will be evaluated by the Paschal Scholarship Committee.

In order to continue eligibility in the Paschal Scholarship Program:

1. Students will be full time students and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at Meredith College, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA for courses in the major. Additionally, students should show progress towards degree completion by taking at least one course per semester in the major.

2. Students receiving the scholarship may not be employed more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.

3. Students will participate in the Paschal Scholarship Program Learning Community by attending the Paschal Scholarship Speakers Series, and through involvement in mentoring activities. Additionally, Paschal Scholars are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, internships and study abroad.

Contact
The Paschal Scholarship Program
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh , North Carolina 27607
or email: hontzjen@meredith.edu.