College of Earth and Mineral Sciences: Millennium Scholars Program

Three Students. One Day. $30K.

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in 2016 began on a path to helping the nation’s top students excel in underrepresented fields. We wanted to reduce the barriers so that these students could succeed and light a path for their peers.

Light a path, they have. Since then, we’ve had 22 graduates complete the program. They earned graduate-level degrees, entered science and engineering fields, or joined Ph.D. programs—an accomplishment just 5% of college graduates achieve—at elite universities such as Clemson, Penn State and Stanford.

Additionally, we have 32 Millennium Scholars in our college.

Help underrepresented students to have a better chance to excel in STEM fields.

Millennium Scholars supports high-achieving Penn State students in STEM disciplines who seek to increase diversity in their professions. It starts with a "boot camp" bridge training program in the summer before their first college classes that emphasizes how to work together and support one another, how to address traditional pitfalls that have limited diversity, and ways they can foster an open environment throughout their careers and create equal opportunities in STEM disciplines. Along the way, the program prepares students to enter doctoral programs after earning their bachelor’s degrees.

$30,000 today supports THREE students next year.

Tony Hutchinson, senior vice president, industry and government relations at VantageScore Solutions, and his wife, Rhona, have for the sixth year in a row pledged to match up to $5,000 of what we raise on Giving Tuesday. This year, we have two other EMS Alumni stepping up: An anonymous donor from the Class of 1999 and Mark Clemans, president & CEO at Carrier Energy Partners II, and his wife, Meg are respectively matching $5,000 and $3,500, bringing our total match to $13,500.

We need YOUR help to unlock our matching funds. Will you join us today and double your impact?

With your help, we’ll be able to fund three students for the 2025-26 academic year who will be in the dynamic, innovative Millennium Scholars Program that provides support beyond tuition to future STEM leaders. Support future STEM leaders today! No matter the size, your gift today can help us provide funds to one more student—and help to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have an equal chance of pursuing their dreams. Thank you for your support!