About the Program:
The Webber program is designed for female science majors who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their area of research to serve as mentors and to foster scientific curiosity and understanding in younger students. Mr. Webber saw his scholarship program as an opportunity to provide young girls with an older female role model, while at the same time recognizing, honoring, and financially supporting the scholars as they earn science degrees from Willamette University. Webber Scholars, along with other available female professionals, encourage girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in math, science, or engineering.
Mr. William B. Webber was a trustee of Willamette University and a former executive at Tektronix, Inc. The Webber program began in the 1995-96 academic year and has served a total of eight different elementary schools in the Salem/Keizer School District to date.
Eligibility:
Any current (2024-2025) sophomore or junior woman majoring in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or physics and enrolled full time in the College of Arts & Sciences at Willamette University is eligible for consideration to receive the scholarship for the following academic year. Applicants must have a cumulative college grade point average of 3.00 or higher and must be in residence for the fall of the 2024-2025 academic year. Current scholars are eligible to apply to participate in the program for a second year.
Selection:
One or two finalist(s) will be selected from each of the four departments biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics by recommendation of the faculty of that department after a thorough review of each application. Final selections will be made by the Webber Program, in consultation with department chairs. Each Webber Scholar will receive a $5,500 stipend for summer research and a $3,500 scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Requirements:
Scholars will be required to participate in a mentored summer research experience and a service-learning course, Science Communication and Outreach, in which students will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the sciences with other young people. Through the outreach program, each scholar will be responsible for developing, with a partner, hands-on science activities in her field of science, to be presented to elementary and middle schools in the area during the fall semester 2024.
Time Commitment:
- Scholars will participate in a nine-week mentored summer research project.
- During the fall semester, all scholars are required to register for and attend a 0.5 credit course that meets weekly for three hours to organize and plan the group’s hands-on lessons. Scholars will also periodically visit the elementary schools outside of the class meeting time.