By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, Liberia, December 6, 2024—Stevens Institute of Technology, a United States-based institution, has opened scholarship applications for Liberian students desiring to advance their studies in physics, engineering, and business.
The scholarship program offers 58 slots for graduate programs and 20 for PhD programs and will recruit students from over 54 countries worldwide, including Liberia.
Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university in Hoboken, New Jersey, owned by Edwin Augustus Stevens.
Founded in 1870, it is one of the oldest technological universities in the United States and was the first college in America solely dedicated to mechanical engineering, thanks to an 1868 bequest from Edwin Augustus Stevens.
The institute currently enrolls nearly 9,000 students in graduate and undergraduate programs. It offers science courses such as physics, engineering programs like bioengineering and mechanical engineering, and MBA and information systems programs.
Representatives from the university, including Dr. Michael Zur Muehlen, associate dean of the School of Business and associate professor of information systems including Dr. Genus Isscarius, head of the office of admissions, who is responsible for overseeing the scholarship process, and Dr. Rainer Martini, associate professor of physics in the School of Engineering and Science, told MICAT press briefing on Tuesday, December 4, 2024, that successful applicants must be under age 40 to apply for the scholarship.
Their goal is to bring talented and diverse Liberian students to the United States to pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees. They seek passionate students who are dedicated to their education.
Dr. Genus Isscarius explained the application process, stating that all applications must be submitted through the university’s website.
He added that applicants will need to provide transcripts from any post-secondary institution they have attended and a letter of purpose to ensure they apply for the correct program.
After submission, the academic team will carefully review the applications to ensure applicants have the right background for their desired career paths.
Next, the applications will be sent to Stevens Institute of Technology, where a team of 15 personnel will conduct document verification.
The academic unit will then review the application to determine if the student has the right background and educational qualifications.
Dr. Isscarius noted that all Liberian students would be considered for merit-based scholarships depending on their application standings.
She also stated that representatives would visit all universities in Liberia to support students in preparing for their three—or four-year stay in the U.S.
“Successful applicants will be eligible for internships in their field of study in the U.S. for three years before returning to Liberia.” She stated.
Additionally, Dr. Rainer Martini, dean of the School of Engineering and Science, stated that they would interview incoming students to discuss their passions and goals after completing the program.
“We are launching a research program to push forward new technology. Students will be taught how to apply these technologies to real-world problems,” he said and added, “We will ensure these students develop the skills needed to address work-related problems, including courses in computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.”
“We will also help students customize their learning experience by guiding them to the courses and education needed to succeed.”
He said the program is flexible for students with less background in certain areas by ensuring they develop leadership skills to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Editing by Jonathan Browne
