Saint Albert Graduate Receives CSM’s Marie Curie Scholarship
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Ella Klusman, a 2024 Saint Albert Catholic High School graduate, as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Klusman was surprised with a scholarship check for $80,000 on Wednesday, May 22. She receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.
“Ella is a compassionate, hard-working student,” said Melissa Johnson, a Saint Albert Catholic Schools science teacher. “From the moment I met her as a sixth-grader, she shared her passion for showing/caring for animals.”
College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding young women pursuing study in STEM majors, such as biology, chemistry, human biology or math.
Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 annually for four years in gift aid. In addition to having access to substantial financial resources and facilities, participants also receive free tutoring, have opportunities for undergraduate research, and have access to top programs like the National Institute of Health and NASA research fellowships. Marie Curie Scholars also often attend and present at national conferences.
Klusman earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Saint Albert Catholic High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Some of Klusman’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:
- IGAHSU Girls Award (2024)
- Saint Albert Female Athlete of the Year (2024)
At CSM, Klusman will study biology and play soccer for the Flames. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, CSM uses initiatives like the Marie Curie Scholar Program to provide women from all backgrounds with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework and lifelong leadership skills.
