Gifts In Action
Scholarship Prepares Science Students to Lead
By Corey Jenkins Schaut, MPA '07
As educators across the nation struggle to get students interested in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), supporting the students who are studying these areas and moving them into science and technology careers are critical.
Mason’s College of Science (COS) is seeking to give students an advantage as they prepare for their careers. The Science Leadership Scholarship and Leadership Seminars, established through a gift from COS Advisory Board member Heather Burns, assist COS students who show leadership potential, high academic performance, and financial need.
The scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for one academic year. In addition to receiving the monetary gift, students attend a series of seminars designed to develop their leadership skills. Recipients also meet regularly with a faculty mentor who provides academic and career advice.
Burns established the scholarships after retiring from a 30-year career as a business leader.
“I am excited by the chance to work with such remarkable young leaders,” Burns says. “I want to give these students the help that will allow them to achieve their dreams of improving the lives of others.”
While the scholarships are available to men and women, seven of the eight recipients this first year were women. The group was also diverse, with recipients coming from six different countries. Meet Syeda Mansur, one of the recipients.
“These students are very serious about their education,” Burns says. “They have a lot of demands on their time, but they are very focused on using their education to make a difference in the world.
You Make A Better Mason
Your support is essential in building a strong future for George Mason University. While gifts to all areas of the university are needed and welcomed, there are a few areas where you as a donor can make a significant and immediate impact:
- Scholarship support for Mason students
- Faculty and staff excellence
- Maintaining and creating outstanding facilities
When you click below, you can designate your gift to the area that is most meaningful to you. Thank you for Supporting Mason!