Program Benefits

A strong community of academic achievement

As an FSO Scholar at Columbus State, you’ll have everything you need to get a strong start to your STEM education:

• Full tuition for two years (four semesters) 
• Personal support and mentoring
• Guided career exploration in STEM fields
• Research and networking opportunities
• A cohort of FSO Scholars with similar goals and interests

Mentoring

Because FSO Scholars are a select group, the attention students receive is personalized and focused on their individual goals. A student-to-staff ratio of just 7:1 makes it easy to forge relationships and to build a strong network.

Students meet with the STEM academic advisor and work with faculty mentors to:

• Assure all requirements are met to earn an Associate of Science degree
• Explore career options in many STEM fields
• Find the best transfer program at the right four-year university to achieve their goals
• Tailor Columbus State classes to prepare for their chosen bachelor’s degree

Cohort

FSO students take many of the same courses as they move through the program, which creates a cohort experience to:

• Build a strong network of peers who are pursuing careers in the same fields
• Take courses tailored for FSO Scholars (including non-science courses)
• Forge lasting friendships based on common interests—FSO Scholars often transfer to the same four-year colleges and universities in the same program!

STEM Club

FSO Scholars are automatically a member of Columbus State’s STEM Club, which meets twice per month and explores STEM career options though:

• Guest speakers – STEM industry professionals and educators visit the Columbus State campus to present a wide variety of career opportunities
• Group trips – Visits to area STEM-related businesses and four-year colleges and universities let club members explore both careers and transfer options
• Service learning/community service opportunities – Giving back to the community is a core value at Columbus State and the STEM Club provides opportunities to work together to build a stronger community
• STEM Club members are given the option to attend local and national conferences, where they often present their own research