STEM Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026

What Are STEM Scholarships?

STEM scholarships are financial awards designed to support students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. These scholarships aim to encourage innovation and diversity in high-demand STEM careers, and they often target specific groups, such as women, minorities, and underrepresented communities.

Who Provides Federal STEM Grants?

Federal STEM grants are provided by organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Education, and the Department of Defense. Examples include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and the SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship Program, which funds STEM students in exchange for future government service.

What Is the STEM for Every Child Scholarship?

The STEM for Every Child Scholarship is an initiative aimed at increasing access to STEM education for underrepresented students. It provides funding for tuition, STEM-related workshops, and resources for students interested in pursuing STEM careers, though specific details vary by sponsoring organization.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for Females?

STEM scholarships for females include the Adobe Women-in-Technology Scholarship, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship, and the Google Women Techmakers Scholarship. These programs aim to close the gender gap in STEM by providing financial support and mentorship opportunities for women.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for Minorities?

STEM scholarships for minorities include the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Scholarship, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund STEM Scholarship, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) STEM Scholars Program. These scholarships focus on increasing diversity in STEM fields by supporting underrepresented groups.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduates?

Undergraduate students can apply for STEM scholarships like the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the NSF S-STEM (Scholarships in STEM) Program, and the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship. These programs provide funding for tuition, research opportunities, and internships.

Are There STEM Scholarships for Black Students?

Yes, STEM scholarships for Black students include the Ron Brown Scholar Program, the UNCF STEM Scholars Program, and the Microsoft Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship. These programs provide financial support and mentorship opportunities for Black students pursuing STEM degrees.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors?

High school seniors can apply for scholarships like the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Davidson Fellows Scholarship, and the National Merit STEM Scholarship. These programs often target students with strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in STEM.

What Are the Requirements for STEM Scholarships?

Requirements for STEM scholarships vary but generally include:

• Enrollment in a STEM-related program.
• Strong academic performance (GPA and test scores).
• Demonstrated interest in STEM through extracurricular activities, projects, or research.
• Personal essays or statements of purpose.
• Recommendation letters from teachers or mentors.

What Is the SMART Scholarship?

The SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship is a federal program that provides full tuition, annual stipends, and internships for students in STEM fields. In exchange, recipients commit to working in a Department of Defense facility after graduation.

Are There STEM Scholarships for International Students?

Yes, STEM scholarships for international students include the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship, the Google Women Techmakers Scholarship (open to international applicants), and university-specific scholarships like the MIT Scholarships for International Students. These programs support global talent in STEM fields.