Jul 28, 2009 -- A new fellowship offered by Stern College for Women this fall, with the partnership and support of the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women (JFEW), will enable high-achieving, incoming sophomores to excel in the sciences.

“Stern College is home to a record number of women enrolled in science programs in preparation for careers in both clinical areas and research,” said Dr. Karen Bacon, The Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean of Stern. “With the support and encouragement of the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women, a select group will now have the benefit of enhanced scholarships, individual mentoring and stipends to conduct research--a combination that will inevitably lead to the highest levels of achievement.”

The 10 recipients of the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women Science Fellowship will receive $10,000 annually in scholarship support for three years. An additional 10 will be awarded the fellowship next year. Each JFEW Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in summer research internships for which they will be offered a work stipend of $2,500.

The fellows will be offered leadership opportunities over the course of their academic career, including attending and presenting research at national and international science conferences.

In addition, they will receive one-on-one mentoring by a member of the Stern science faculty to foster and encourage academic achievement. The mentors will advise the students on course selection, research experience and preparation for graduate school applications.

The students will also participate in lectures and workshops on topics addressing leadership training, career development and academic success. The first year will focus on getting the most from an undergraduate education; the second year will feature workshops on developing research; and the final year will concentrate on transitioning to post-graduate life.

“Since 1880, JFEW has helped women to achieve their educational aspirations and to contribute to society,” said Jill Smith, vice president and chair of the foundation’s Jewish Community Program. “Stern is similarly committed to women’s educational achievement. We are proud to collaborate with Stern on the creation of this exciting and innovative program.”