ExCELS Grant Program

ExCELS Grant – NSF Experiential Computing and Engaged Learning Scholarships Program

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $2.5M grant to provide scholarships to undergraduate students at the School of Computer Science and Engineering at CSUSB. The Experiential Computing and Engaged Learning Scholarships (ExCELS) program targets academically talented students who demonstrate financial need and who intend to pursue a major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Systems, Bioinformatics, or Data Science. These scholarships are for those who meet the described eligibility criteria and aim to recruit and retain more students in computing-related disciplines. Need-based awards will be up to $10,000 per year per student for up to 4 years, provided the student is enrolled full-time and maintains good academic standing. There are 30 awards available each year, and additional scholarships will be granted until funds are exhausted. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

1. Full-time enrollment (a minimum of 12 units per semester) at CSUSB with a declared major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Systems, Bioinformatics, or Data Science. 
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. 
3. Evidence of financial need (e.g., Pell Grant recipients), as determined by the Office of Financial Aid at CSUSB. 
4. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, a national of the United States, a refugee, or a permanent resident (as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act) at the time of submitting the application. 

New Scholarship Application, ExCELS Fall 2024: https://csusb.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HaQJeOsk1LkUCy

Renewal Application, ExCELS Fall 2024: https://csusb.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3O5Oi37ndIugPci

Requirements for New ExCELS Applications

To apply, follow the two stages of the selection process: 

Stage 1: Initial Selection 

1. Submit the ExCELS Application Form. Your submission should include a personal statement (of approximately 500 words) and a copy of your most recent CSUSB transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted). 
2. Submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can do this either through the Financial Aid Office or online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. 

Stage 2: Further Requirements for Shortlisted Applicants (will be announced after the initial section process) 

1. Two Letters of Recommendation: These should be from faculty members who can comment on your interest, ability, and potential in pursuing a computing degree. 
2. Applicant's Educational Plan: This should outline all the courses you plan to take during the one-year fellowship period. 

Application Deadline:  

• ExCELS applications are reviewed as they are received. The review will begin on Nov. 1 2024. 

Continued Eligibility Requirements for ExCELS Scholarship:

1. Maintain Eligibility Criteria: as listed above
2. Submit a ExCELS Scholarship Report: see requirements below

To maintain eligibility for the ExCELS scholarship, scholars are required to submit a 2-page report by Nov. 1 2024. Your report should include, but is not limited to, the following points:

1. Academic Progress and Plan:

• Provide a detailed overview of your academic progress during the past year, including any significant achievements, challenges, and how you have addressed them.
• Outline your academic goals and plan for the upcoming year, focusing on how you intend to continue progressing towards your degree in computer science. Include specific courses, research opportunities, internships, or any other relevant activities you plan to engage in.

2. Impact of the ExCELS Scholarship:

• Reflect on how the ExCELS scholarship has supported your academic journey over the past year. Discuss the ways in which the financial support has impacted your ability to focus on your studies, participate in extracurricular activities, or pursue opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
• Explain how continued financial support through the ExCELS scholarship would further assist you in achieving your academic and career goals in the coming year. Highlight any specific plans or goals that this support would help you accomplish.

Format Requirements:

• Font Size: 12-point
• Line Spacing: Single
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Length: No more than 2 pages

Please ensure that your report adheres to these format requirements and is clear, concise, and reflective of your experiences and aspirations as an ExCELS scholar.

For more information or questions, please contact: 

Dr. Yunfei Hou, yunfei.hou@csusb.edu

or                                                                               

Dr. Khalil Dajani, Email: khalil.dajani@csusb.edu