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National Science Foundation Grant Creates Julian Scholarship Program for HS Students
August 19, 2009--Greencastle, Ind. — Depauw University--Local high school science scholars with their sights set on becoming first generation college students will benefit from a new program at DePauw University, made possible by a National Science Foundation grant. NSF has awarded $552,000 to DePauw for support of the Percy Lavon Julian Scholarship program.
Guidelines for selection include: an established aptitude and interest in science and mathematics, an unweighted GPA of 3.70 and combined mathematics and critical reading SAT scores of 1200 or higher. All students must display significant financial need and have parents who did not complete an undergraduate education themselves.
Percy Julian, a 1920 graduate of DePauw, was a pioneering African-American chemist. His research -- some conducted on campus -- led to the development of a low cost method of producing cortisone, as well as a synthethic drug for the treatment of glaucoma, and the creation of aerofoam, a flame retardant that saved many lives during World War II. A first generation college student who overcame great odds to obtain his education, Dr. Julian's life story was told in a 2007 NOVA special, "Forgotten Genius".
The Julian Scholarships will build on other programs at DePauw, such as the Science Research Fellows, Women in Science, Women in Computer Science and Posse, the latter of which identifies, recruits, and trains student leaders from urban public high schools to form multicultural teams called "posses." DePauw has been a Posse partner since 1996.