Ten high-achieving science, technology, engineering and mathematics students are the first beneficiaries of the Academically and Civically Engaged Scientists Scholarship Program at Wartburg College.

Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship for the 2015-16 school year. Recipients include:

• Megan Kidwell, a freshman in biology
• Shamus McCarthy, a freshman in computer science
• Nicholas Arp, a freshman in biochemistry
• Amy Isvik, a sophomore in mathematics
• Madalynn McKelvey, a sophomore in engineering
• Ashlyn Bagge, a junior in mathematics
• Madison Mix, a junior in neuroscience
• Eric Revis, a junior in neuroscience, business administration and psychology
• Benjamin Bogard, a senior in mathematics and communication arts
• Grant Keller, a senior in biochemistry

Throughout the year, the students will complete service projects using their STEM skills to serve the local community, partner with Wartburg alumni mentors, participate in a peer-mentor program and attend professional skill-building seminars. Recipients also will participate in the Wartburg Scholars Program and work toward a leadership minor. 

The scholarships are funded through a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. LeAnn Faidley, associate professor of engineering science; Christine DeVries, associate professor of chemistry; and Mariah Birgen, professor of mathematics, will lead the new program. 

“We are very excited to kick off the ACES program with these 10 excellent students. They are passionate about using the STEM skills they are gaining at Wartburg to serve their community and the world, and we are enthusiastic about continuing to shape this program with their help,” Faidley said.

Recipients will be eligible to receive the scholarship in each of their remaining years at Wartburg, with up to 10 ACES scholarships of $10,000 each awarded in each of the five years of funding.