Skip to main content

California Teach - Science & Math Initiative

CalTeach-SMI

SMI logo
UCR Physics students in the lab with their professor (c) UCR/Stan Lim

SMI Tier II & III Scholarships (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

This SMI Program extends multiple scholarship awards (up to $10,000) for SMI Undergraduates based on academic and pre-professional merits.  All Scholars are also hired to serve as Peer Mentors and Peer Leaders.

  • Seniors- Tier II,  with paid SMI Peer Leader positions & paid year-long paid field work 
  • Juniors & Sophomores- Tier III, with paid SMI Peer Mentors positions (if qualified, unpaid year-long field work will also be offered)

TIER II
 

WHO SHOULD APPLY

2025-26 SMI Seniors
 

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

Multiple SMI Scholarships will be awarded for 2025-26 AY in the amount of up to $10,000 each. At least one scholarship award will be pre-designated for a physics or chemistry major. Award amounts will be based on applicant's merit and involvement in the SMI Program.  All SMI Tier II Scholarships will be assigned to complete a year-long, paid, field assignment.  Additionally, SMI Tier II Scholars are employed in paid SMI Peer Leader positions.  
 

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum

  • Current active SMI students (CNAS or BCOE major)

  • Maintain updated SMI Program Plan

  • Maintain good academic standing

  • Minimum GPA (cumulative): 2.80

  • Passed CBEST, official documentation needed

  • Passed one CSET Subtest in subject area (Mathematics or Sciences), official documentation needed

  • Completed EDUC 3 or equivalence

  • Completed one upper-division EDUC course from: 104, 105, 132, 147, 162, 174, 179A

  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

  • Updated Resume
     

Preferred

  • Passed two or more CSET Subtests in subject area (Mathematics or Sciences), official documentation needed

  • Completed EDUC 4 or equivalence

  • Completed two or more upper-division EDUC courses from: 104, 105, 132, 147, 162, 174, 179A

  • Completed NASC 192

  • Completed NASC 192L

  • Participated in SMI Peer Mentor Program

  • Participated in an SMI year-long field work assignment or SMI approved/sponsored academies

  • Attended one or more SMI approved professional development events during this academic year

TIER III
 

WHO SHOULD APPLY

2025-26 SMI Sophomores & Juniors 
 

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

Multiple SMI Scholarships will be awarded for 2025-26 AY in the amount of up to $10,000 each. At least one scholarship award will be pre-designated for a physics or chemistry major.  Award amounts will be based on applicant's merit and involvement in the SMI Program. All SMI Tier III Scholars are employed in paid SMI Peer Mentor or Peer Leader positions.  Additionally, if qualified, SMI Tier III Scholars will be assigned to complete a year-long (unpaid) field assignment but with the option to accept financial support for transportation.
 

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum

  • Current active SMI students (CNAS or BCOE major)

  • Maintain updated SMI Program Plan

  • Maintain good academic standing

  • Minimum GPA (cumulative): 2.75

  • Passed CBEST, official documentation needed

  • Completed EDUC 3 or equivalence

  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

  • Updated Resume

 

Preferred

  • Passed one CSET Subtest in subject area (Mathematics or Sciences), official documentation needed

  • Completed EDUC 4 or equivalence

  • Completed one upper-division EDUC course from : 104, 105, 132, 147, 162, 174, 179A

  • Attended one or more SMI approved professional development events during this academic year

SMI Scholarship Informational Sessions

 Advanced Sign-up Required  

Thursday, March 5, 2026
3:30 pm to 4:15 pm
Zoom

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
11:00 am to 11:45 am
Zoom

DEADLINE & APPLICATION

Friday, May 1, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Download Application

CONTACT PERSONNEL

Leslie Bushong
CalTeach-SMI Director
1114 Pierce Hall
leslie.bushong@ucr.edu

Let us help you with your search