Center for Science and Math Success Annual Fund

The Center for Science and Math Success is the central hub for academic support, tutoring, and mentoring for NSM students. Home to programs like Commit to Study, Peer Assisted Learning (PAL), and Science Educational Equity (SEE), the Center helps students succeed in STEM courses and prepare for science careers. The Center empowers students to achieve their personal and professional goals through equity-based programs that cultivate life-long learning skills, leadership development, and a sense of belonging.

Commit to Study Initiative

Commit to Study is a peer mentoring program dedicated to helping students who take classes in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and improve their study skills. Commit to Study offers one-on-one peer mentoring sessions to students in improving their study skills and efficiency. Commit to Study utilizes an assessment tool called the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (or LASSI) that covers ten different categories to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. In this way, the Peer Mentors can tailor the curriculum to best fit student needs.

The Grace Project

Inspired by Lindsey Herring (Alumna Nutrition, Food & Dietetics) and her friends at Sacramento State, The Grace Project aims to promote retention and success among underrepresented students pursuing STEM degrees, by eliminating some of the financial barriers they face. STEM courses, particularly those with laboratory requirements, often burden students with additional expenses. The Grace Project alleviates financial stress by supporting students with the resources they need to be successful in their courses.

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Program

The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Program employs 40-50 promising STEM students every semester. As they mentor their peers to success in STEM courses, these undergraduate facilitators develop leadership and workplace skills that directly benefit their futures. PAL benefits everyone: students tackling difficult STEM courses improve their learning, peer facilitators develop content expertise and authentic leadership skills, and the program provides important scholarship opportunities for both students and faculty members.

Math Tutoring Buddies Program

The Math Tutoring Buddies Program at Sacramento State provides free one-on-one tutoring sessions to middle and high school students in the local community. This initiative aims to enhance learning opportunities for both university and secondary school students. By offering personalized assistance in mathematics, the program strives to enhance educational prospects and achievements, while also fostering greater awareness of STEM higher education among middle and high school students who may otherwise lack access to such resources.

The Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program (SEE/MOSS)

The Math Tutoring Buddies Program at Sacramento State provides free one-on-one tutoring sessions to middle and high school students in the local community. This initiative aims to enhance learning opportunities for both university and secondary school students. By offering personalized assistance in mathematics, the program strives to enhance educational prospects and achievements, while also fostering greater awareness of STEM higher education among middle and high school students who may otherwise lack access to such resources.

Dan Decious Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program Scholarship

Dan Decious, professor of chemistry, emeritus grew up in California’s Northeastern Modoc County, a rural community where high schoolers weren’t expected or even encouraged to seek higher education. But his intellect and drive lead him to attain advanced degrees from the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!), and the University of Washington.

‘Dr. Dan’, as he was affectionately known, enthusiastically signed on at SEE’s inception and never said goodbye. His dynamic personality and dedication to help students achieve their own academic goals made him a beloved presence on campus and trusted mentor. He was the SEE Program advisor who would have your back, all the way through.

He created this scholarship in 2018. Family, friends, CSUS Retirees Association, colleagues and former students contributed in his memory in 2021. Dan’s lifelong friend Mike Gemperle and his wife Donna generously transformed the scholarship into an endowment in 2022 and together with their daughter Alison support annual scholarship awards.
Mike and Dan were boarding house roommates during UC Berkeley years. They slogged through menial work to earn their meals and enjoyed San Francisco jazz clubs and sports events. Mike is a retired geophysicist and recognizes the privilege of having received a great education back then, essentially for free. He and Donna, a retired Oregon State University psychology professor, and Alison, a psychology researcher and middle school counselor, believe everyone should have similar opportunities now and in the future.

For over forty years, Dan and his wife Mary, an alumna of the Biological Sciences and Chemistry departments, were inseparable partners in love and in life. It is their shared hope that this scholarship contributes to your success at CSUS and beyond.

This scholarship is intended to provide a meaningful source of financial support and encouragement through your SEE Program years and beyond.

Dr. Juanita Barrena Science Educational Equity (SEE) Scholarship

Named for a founding professor of SEE, this scholarship helps underrepresented students in science and math overcome financial barriers to their education.

Maurice McDonald Science Educational Equity (SEE) Scholarship

Maurice McDonald was a beloved father, husband, and friend who was passionate about education and civic engagement in underserved communities. He was the first in his family to attend college and believed that access to a quality education changes lives for the better. The purpose of this scholarship is to support undergraduate students in the SEE Program in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, with preference given to students who share Maurice's passion and values.

Cassandra de la Porte, Carmalynn Johnson and Connie Thompson Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is intended to support students in the Science Educational Equity (SEE) program.

• Student must be an active member of the Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program enrolled within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• The student applicants must include a one-page essay describing how they will contribute to increasing the participation of women in science (Note: Any gender can respond to this essay question.)
• Scholarship is non-renewable

Solyolo SEE/MOSS Scholarship

The Solyolo SEE/MOSS Scholarship supports students in the Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program and the Multicultural Organization of Science Students (MOSS) at Sacramento State. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of life for others, particularly in communities with limited access to health care, education, and economic advancement.