JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dr. Paul Schilling, a radiation oncologist and longtime University of North Florida supporter, has donated $1 million to establish the Schilling STEM Scholarship at the university.
The newly established scholarship welcomed its inaugural cohort of 23 incoming freshmen this fall.
The program is one of the university’s few scholarships dedicated specifically to science, technology, engineering, and math majors. Recipients are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per academic year, with awards renewable for up to four years through their undergraduate studies.
The initial group of 23 scholars entered the University of North Florida with an average GPA of 4.38, an average SAT score of 1264, and an average ACT score of 26. By comparison, the university’s overall incoming fall class recorded an average GPA of 3.94, an average SAT score of 1131, and an average ACT score of 22.
Among the first class of scholars is Yahilyn Rodriguez, a freshman studying biomedical sciences who is the first in her family to attend college. “I have always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician and this scholarship is making that dream come true,” Rodriguez said.
Schilling established the fund to ease financial barriers for students pursuing scientific disciplines. “Science, technology, engineering and math are the keys to the future of our nation and of humanity,” Schilling said. “STEM scholarships decrease financial burden, opening a horizon of support and focused study.”Schilling also emphasized the role of local funding in meeting broader national workforce demands. “The United States will need one million more new STEM graduates in four years,” Schilling said. “It is my hope and expectation that a scholarship of this magnitude may help to bridge this gap locally.”
The University of North Florida anticipates selecting a second cohort of Schilling STEM Scholars for Fall 2027.
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