Are you a current NCC student interested in pursuing a degree at ESU in one of their STEM fields? If so, apply for the Clear Path Scholarship and receive up to $5,200/year ($10,400 total) in scholarship funds while at NCC. Additionally, the Clear Path scholarship provides students with a tremendous opportunity to build relationships with the ESU STEM community while at NCC.
As a Clear Path Scholar, you are eligible to receive:
- a scholarship of up to $5,200/year ($10,400 total) to attend Northampton Community College
- a scholarship of up to $10,000/year ($20,000 total) to attend ESU
Thanks to funding provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Clear Path program was created to support the timely completion of STEM associate and STEM bachelor’s degrees from community college partners to ESU and financial support to do so.
In addition to scholarships, the Clear Path grant supports students with proactive developmental advocacy, holistic advising, cohort activities, peer mentoring and tutoring, and mentor-mediated online education that fosters the development of traits associated with academic success.
While attending NCC, students can major in whichever subject they choose; however, to be eligible for an ESU scholarship, students must major in one of the following subjects:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemical
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Computer Security
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
If you have any questions about the program contact Dr. Danielle Ringhoff at dringhoff@northampton.edu or Gerri O'Dowd at gbunnionodowd@northampton.edu, or see our FAQs below.
Check out some testimonials from recent Clear Path alumni, and how the program has helped them in their careers!
Clear Path FAQs
I am not majoring in a Clear Path major at NCC, can I still be a Clear Path Scholar?
Yes! The majors specified are majors at ESU. You can be majoring in anything at your community college, including exploratory studies.
How is financial need going to be determined?
All interested applicants need to complete a FAFSA application. This is the information that will be used to determine financial need.
Will I be required to attend Clear Path events outside of class time?
Yes, part of this program will help mentor you, provide you with training, and offer other activities designed to help maximize your success. Some are required, others are optional. None will require more than a few extra hours a semester.
Can international students apply?
Clear Path Scholars must be citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
How long do I need to be at NCC before I can qualify as a Clear Path Scholar at ESU?
While there is no time requirement, every Clear Path Scholar must have accumulated 45 credits at the community college by the time they begin at ESU. Credits may be added as late as the summer prior to transferring to ESU.
My GPA isn't super, can I still be a Clear Path Scholar?
Clear Path Scholars are selected using a number of criteria. GPA is only one component in scholar selection - a minimum community college GPA is not specified.
How many courses/credits will I be taking?
We encourage Clear Path Scholars to be full-time students (at least twelve credits) whenever possible as this is the most efficient route to a degree; however, students taking at least six credits are eligible for the program.
I'm a High School Dual Enrollment student at NCC. Am I eligible for Clear Path?
Absolutely! Dual enrollment students are eligible for Clear Path and transfer to ESU. Please apply! In order to clear the path to your bachelors degree we will carefully advise you to ensure that you can obtain your degree as efficiently as possible.
I took some of my science labs virtually at NCC, can I still apply as a Clear Path scholar to ESU?
The Clear Path Scholarship requires that students take in-person labratory experiences. However, if you took your labs virtually during the 2020-2021 academic year, we will accept those credits for the labs.