The LIFE STEM Scholar experience is one of holistic academic and financial support.

• Faculty mentoring:  Each scholar is paired with a LIFE STEM faculty mentor. The scholar and faculty mentor will meet regularly throughout the scholar’s four years with more focused mentoring in the critical first two years.  LIFE STEM faculty also consider each scholar’s academic preparation and develop experiences to help them prepare for success in the sciences.
• Community of scholars:  The LIFE STEM community includes scholars from biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics, all of whom begin their academic careers with a summer program. The first portion of the bridge takes place online focusing on the challenges associated with transitioning to college. The face-to-face portion of the summer bridge brings the scholars to Longwood’s Hull Springs Farm located near the Chesapeake Bay.  During the summer bridge and through special LIFE STEM coursework throughout the four-year program, scholars will be part of a community of students for whom intellectual challenge and curiosity are shared values. Scholars also return to the Chesapeake Bay for a senior retreat focused on a science and citizen leadership challenge.
• Professional development:  LIFE STEM Scholars are prepared for success in a science career through work that begins in the first year and continues through commencement.  The required LIFE STEM seminar courses connect scholars with graduate school faculty, individuals from industry, and other science professionals. Scholars also develop a professional e-portfolio and learn to network with Longwood alumni.  It all adds up to a strong foundation for a career in the sciences.
• Research experiences:  A pathway to success as a university science student is early involvement with research.  LIFE STEM Scholars are immersed in research activities even before classes start, and that involvement builds throughout the four-year program.
• Financial Support:  The LIFE STEM Program is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.  Each scholar will receive financial support up to $10,000 per year (based on financial need, as determined by FAFSA).