iScholars Program

In Fall 2011 the iScholars (innovation scholars) program was launched. The iScholars program, where students learn by leading, is funded by the Kern Family Foundation – Kern Entrepreneurship Education Network  (KEEN).  Saint Louis University is a part of the network of 19 KEEN schools. It received a major grant from the foundation to promote the e-mindset. iScholars program is a part of several initiatives at SLU.

iScholars are expected to work ten hours per week to promote the e-mindset across the campus. They are engaged in different roles and activities, such as: community outreach, innovation leadership, creative thinking and design projects. Students involved have access to experts from the field for several hours each week and a tinker lab, that provides the tools needed to take their ideas to the next level.

Each student in the program receives an annual stipend ranging from $2000 to $3500, depending their progress in their engineering major.

How to Apply

Students in the program are selected through an application and interview process from a highly competitive field. Applications are accepted fall and spring semester. Qualified applicants should have a 3.25 GPA (freshman will not be asked to submit GPA), a strong resume, outstanding faculty references and a compelling personal statement about why they should be selected for the program. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the program advisors.

For more information about the application or to request materials, contact Nicole Germain at 314-977-7820 or ngermain@slu.edu.

About Kern Entrepreneurship Education Network

KEEN’s mission is to graduate engineers equipped with an action-oriented entrepreneurial mindset who will contribute to business success and transform the U.S. workforce.  The long-term goal is for these new engineers to catalyze a transformation in the workforce and to build economic and technical commerce in their communities. This focus on entrepreneurial leaders is increasingly important as the U.S. competes to maintain its economic position in a global marketplace based on innovation.

Meet the iScholars

Name: Keegan Faudree Year: Senior Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Midland, TX	Name: Yolatl Ruiz de Gordoa Year: Senior Major: Biomedical Engineering Hometown: Basque Country, Spain
Name: Emily Hart Year: Sophomore Major: Electrical Engineering Hometown: St. Louis, MO	Name: Katie Healy Year: Sophomore Major: Civil Engineering Hometown: Leawood, KS
Name: Richard Henry Year: Senior Major: Computer Engineering Hometown: Madrid, Spain	Name: Jacob Howenstein Year: Junior Major: Biomedical Engineering Hometown: Zionsville, IN
Name: Mary Jennerjohn Year: Senior Majors: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Wentzville, MO	Name: Brittany Kendrick Year: Sophomore Major: Civil Engineering Hometown: Chicago, IL
Name: Brian Kovarik Year: Senior Major: Aerospace Engineering/Mechanical Engineering Hometown: St. Louis, MO	Name: Jake Laktas Year: Junior Major: Biomedical Engineering Hometown: Morton, IL
Name:Ryan McNeely Year: Junior Major: CpE/CSCI Hometown: St. Louis, MO	Name: Rebecca Mitrovich Year: Junior Major: Civil Engineering and Chemistry Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Name: Kendra Patton Year: Sophomore Major: Aerospace Engineering Hometown: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 	Name: Ross Santee Year: Junior Major: Electrical Engineering Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Name: Jonathan Steenbergen Year: Senior Major: Electrical Engineering Hometown: St. Peters, MO