For students in Iowa with big dreams in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the Science Bound program offers scholarships and community support.

The Iowa State University program provides full tuition for students who commit to a STEM major, but for some, the experience goes beyond financial support.

Estefani Ramos, a sophomore in graphic design, once planned to become an astronomer. But during her sophomore year of high school, she lost her Science Bound scholarship.

“So sophomore year of high school is when I lost the scholarship due to, practically, mental health,” Ramos said. “It was during COVID, so I just didn’t wanna try anymore with the program.”

Ramos did not complete the program’s required volunteer work or the February speech presentation, both of which are necessary to stay in Science Bound.

“I did the summer camp,” Ramos said. “I just didn’t volunteer. So I just didn’t fit the credentials to stay in Science Bound.”

The loss left Ramos struggling to find a new direction.

“Losing the scholarship affected me quite a bit because I just didn’t know what to do in my education life,” Ramos said. “The last year of high school I figured out what I wanted to do [graphic design]. It was kinda last minute, not gonna lie, but I’m still with it till this day, so I think it went pretty well for me.”

Financially, the impact was significant.

“Science Bound is a full ride, and I fit the credentials for the full ride, which was a STEM major,” Ramos said. “I had to rely on FAFSA to go to college and pay out of pocket practically.”

She felt a lack of support after losing the scholarship.

“I didn’t receive any support from the university or Science Bound,” Ramos said. “I don’t think the Science Bound program even knew I lost it, or they probably did. They just don’t care.”

For other students, Science Bound provides structure and motivation. Heidy Artero, a healthcare management major, described it as life-changing.

“Science Bound has had a profound impact on both my academic journey and personal growth,” Artero said. “Since high school, it has continuously challenged me to stay on my toes and remain aware of my academic progress.”

Artero said the program has been more than just a scholarship.

“While the full tuition scholarship is an incredible opportunity, Science Bound is much more than that,” Artero said. “It is a supportive community where we uplift and learn from one another.”

She found encouragement in the program’s network of students and mentors.

“The encouragement and connections within Science Bound have not only helped me navigate my academic path but have also reinforced my passion for lifelong learning and success,” Artero said.

Since the late 1980s, Science Bound has worked with school districts in Denison, Des Moines, Marshalltown, and Osceola to support students from eighth grade through college. The program focuses on increasing diversity in STEM by helping underrepresented students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Alexis Campbell, director of Science Bound, emphasized the program’s mission.

“Science Bound is Iowa State’s pre-college through college program designed to meet state and national needs for a highly trained workforce by increasing the number of Iowa youth who pursue degrees and careers in the fields of agriculture, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and education,” Campbell said.

To keep their scholarship, students need to meet academic and participation requirements. High school students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, attend retreats, give an annual speech and complete 40 hours of STEM programming over the summer. College students need a 2.5 GPA, attend an annual retreat, complete required seminars and log study hours.

Campbell said the program is structured to support students through challenges.

“Our goal [is] to help students achieve success and reach their goals,” Campbell said. “If any of our Science Bound students/scholars face challenges that contribute to not meeting our academic scholarship requirements, we are there to help.”

When COVID-19 interrupted education, Science Bound adapted. Their team moved events online, mailed activity kits to students and created virtual networking sessions to maintain community engagement.

“We worked diligently to flip the Science Bound program to a virtual format,” Campbell said. “We continued building and maintaining Science Bound communities through virtual student, teacher, and family events.”

Despite the challenges, Science Bound students have continuously succeeded. Since 2019, 97% of Science Bound graduates have gone directly to college.

Artero encouraged students to take advantage of the program’s opportunities.

“The best advice I would give to a high school student trying to maintain their Science Bound scholarship is to never give up,” Artero said. “Yes, you will get tired, and yes, it can be exhausting at times, but it’s all temporary. The hard work you put in now will pay off.”

Artero said Science Bound’s support system makes a difference.

“Science Bound isn’t just a program; it’s a community, a place where you can lean on others,” Artero said. “They genuinely want to see you succeed and grow.”

For Ramos, Science Bound shaped her early academic path, even if she took a different direction.

“Till this day, I kinda—I still love science, not that much anymore math, but it kinda just took away my passion for it,” Ramos said.

Artero, however, remains grateful for the program’s lasting impact.

“I truly don’t know where I would be without Science Bound,” Artero said. “Take advantage of everything it offers, stay committed and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!”