The SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway provides a pathway for students entering STEM-related fields to earn their associate degree at Gateway Technical College and transfer to complete their bachelor’s degree at Carthage College, Concordia University Wisconsin, Milwaukee School of Engineering or the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
In order to be eligible for the SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
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SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway is open to:
- Female students
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Underrepresented students of color
- Underrepresented students of color include American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black (not of Hispanic origin), Hispanic (including persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central or South American origin), Pacific Islander or other ethnic groups underrepresented in science and engineering.
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Low income students
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Low income students include any individual or member of a family who receives need-based financial assistance, or whose income is at or below the poverty level as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This includes:
- Students with an annual family income of less than $50,000
- Students who have applied for Federal Student Aid and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $1,500 or less
- Student is a ward of the state
- Student resides in foster home
- Student is homeless
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Low income students include any individual or member of a family who receives need-based financial assistance, or whose income is at or below the poverty level as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This includes:
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Be a high school senior graduating on-time, attending a high school in Racine County and reside within the Racine Unified School District
- Students can verify the school district they reside in by contacting Racine Unified School District or searching their address on the DPI website.
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 or higher at the time of application
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Complete the STEM Scholars Pathway program application by the application deadline. As part of the application, you must:
- Submit a copy of your high school transcript
- Complete a statement of purpose
- Submit the name and email address of a high school counselor, high school teacher, or school administrator that is willing to provide a letter of recommendation. Applicants must have at least one letter of recommendation.
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Students identifying as low income will need to submit one of the following forms of additional documentation:
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Students with an annual family income of less than $50,000 must submit:
- An IRS W-2 statement for all adult family members OR
- A copy of their family 2021 federal taxes OR
- A letter from a Wisconsin state agency showing the student/family receives public assistance (current Food Share, WIC, Badger Care benefits letter or card)
- Students who have applied for Federal Student Aid and has a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $1,500 or less must submit a copy of their FAFSA confirmation email
- Students that are a ward of the state must provide a letter from the state
- Students that reside in foster home must provide a letter from the county addressed to the student or foster parent(s).
- Students that are homeless must provide a letter from a clergy, shelter staff, etc.
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Students with an annual family income of less than $50,000 must submit:
- Complete the Gateway Technical College application for admission and be admitted to your chosen program at Gateway by the application deadline.
- Enroll in one of the following Gateway Technical College programs: Electrical Engineering Technology, Architectural-Structural Engineering Technician, IT- Data Analytics Specialist, IT-Cybersecurity Specialist, IT-Network Specialist, IT-Software Developer, or IT- Web Software Developer or Liberal Arts - Associate of Science.
- Enroll as a full-time student at Gateway for the Fall Semester immediately following your senior year
- Attend the mandatory STEM Scholars Pathway kickoff and summer bridge program
Once accepted as a STEM Scholar, students must meet the following ongoing requirements to continue to remain eligible for the SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway:
- Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester (minimum of 30 credits per academic year) during each of the four years of program participation
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or greater at Gateway Technical College
- Develop an academic plan for the selected associate degree guided by a Gateway Academic Advisor
- Complete their associate degree at Gateway Technical College within 2.5 academic years (eight consecutive semesters). Students will often need to take summer courses to complete their associate degree in 2.5 years.
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Meet the transfer requirements including GPA requirements and transfer into a STEM Scholars-eligible pathway program at Carthage College, Concordia University, Milwaukee School of Engineering or UW-Parkside
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STEM Scholars must meet the following transfer requirements for their selected program of study and transfer institution:
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Concordia University
- All STEM Scholars Pathway eligible bachelor’s degree programs: Graduate with an associate degree from Gateway in an eligible STEM Scholars Pathway program of study.
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Carthage College
- All STEM Scholars Pathway eligible bachelor’s degree programs: Graduate with an associate degree from Gateway in an eligible STEM Scholars Pathway program of study.
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Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Operations and Systems Management bachelor’s degree: Students must earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA at Gateway Technical College in an eligible STEM Scholars Pathway program of study.
- Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree: Students must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA as well as a C or better in all transfer coursework at Gateway Technical College in an eligible STEM Scholars Pathway program of study.
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University of Wisconsin-Parkside
- All STEM Scholars Pathway eligible bachelor's degree programs: Graduate with an associate degree from Gateway in an eligible STEM Scholars Pathway program of study.
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Concordia University
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STEM Scholars must meet the following transfer requirements for their selected program of study and transfer institution:
- After completing an associate degree, students must immediately transfer to Carthage College, Concordia University, Milwaukee School of Engineering or UW-Parkside in one of the STEM Scholars Pathway eligible bachelor’s degree programs
- Maintain academic progress requirements at Carthage College, Concordia University, Milwaukee School of Engineering or UW-Parkside
- Work to complete the bachelor’s degree program within two years as STEM Scholars Pathway program funding is only available for a total of 4.5 years - students are responsible for their own funding after 4.5 years in the STEM Scholars Pathway program
- Participate in mandatory academic and career-planning workshops and connect with the STEM Scholars Pathway Coordinator during the years of program participation
- Participate in mandatory weekly study halls during the years of program participation
If you have any questions about applying, please contact your New Student Specialist.
