FAQ

 If you do not find the answer to your question, please send your question to StemAspire@wpunj.edu.

The ASPIRE-STEM Program began in the Spring 2022 term and had its first cohort of students in Summer 2022. New cohorts will begin each Summer of the remaining years of the grant program.

Yes, due to the nature of the grant students must be enrolled full-time in one of the majors listed below; if you are enrolled in another major, or if you are a part-time student, please be advised that you will not be eligible for this program:

Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Information Technology, Biology, Environmental Sustainability, Exercise Physiology

Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, Medicinal Biochemistry, Integrated Math and Science

Yes! You may apply if you think you meet the eligibility criteria even if your school is not listed as a partner school.

Great question! There are numerous benefits to joining this program, including the following:

  • Financial support, including funding for transportation, meals, and textbook costs
  • Access to personal academic coaching to support your academic and career goals as you complete your degree program
  • Access to peer and faculty mentors to support your academic and professional development
  • Access to Supplemental Instruction (SI) to provide academic support both in and outside of the classroom
  • Participation in our Summer Programs, where you will be able to interact with faculty, students, and program staff to acclimate to William Paterson University and your respective fields of interest
  • Opportunities for research, internships, and other forms of work-based learning to refine your career-readiness skills

The Financial Aid Office at WPU provides financial consultation to help you figure out which options best maximize your benefits. Please send an email to FinAid@wpunj.edu to schedule an appointment with one of the financial aid experts.

 YES! If not done so already, please fill out the ASPIRE STEM Program Application form. This form is required to be considered as a participant in the ASPIRE Program, as well as the Summer Programs. The application for the Summer 2024 cohort is due by Sunday, June 23, 2024. Early application submission is strongly encouraged!

First-time, full-time, first-year students must participate in the Summer Bridge Program for First-Year Students, which will run for 10 days starting Monday, July 8, 2024 and ending on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Transfer/Current WPUNJ students must participate in the Summer Research Experience for Transfer/Current Students, which will run for five weeks starting Monday, July 8, 2024 and ending on Thursday, August 8, 2024

Both programs run Monday through Thursday at 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the William Paterson University campus. All participants will be provided with daily meal vouchers for lunch and a transportation stipend will be provided to students at the end of their respective programs.

Specific location information, including parking information, will be shared with students once they are accepted into the program.

 Unfortunately, attendance for the Summer Bridge Program for First-Year Students or the Summer Research Experience for Transfer/Current Students are mandatory requirements to be a part of the ASPIRE Program. If you have any conflicts regarding attendance, please note them on your ASPIRE Program Application form and our team will reach out to discuss them further with you.

Students in the Summer Bridge Program & Summer Research Experience will be provided with a meal voucher for lunch each day of their program. Breakfast and dinner will not be provided; please plan accordingly.

After the completion of a student’s respective summer program, they will receive a transportation stipend which will be credited to their WPU student account by the Student Accounts office, which will be sent as a refund check to the mailing address on file with the University. 

 ASPIRE Staff will contact all program participants no later than by 6:30 AM if any changes to the program schedule are necessary due to weather conditions. Also, visit the University website for information regarding campus closing. In addition, make sure you are signed up for university emergency text notifications. In cases of campus closure, information will be communicated to participants regarding steps to ensure participation credit for that day of the program.