Innovation and entrepreneurship have long been called the backbone of the American economy with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fueling national progress. Over the past decade, a growing focus has been placed on STEM in education and training future experts in these fields. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates, employment in STEM industries is projected to grow by another 13.5 percent through 2026. In turn, this would introduce over half a million new jobs in STEM-related fields, but without experts to fill these roles, we could continue to face a skills gap.
This sense of urgency for the U.S. to develop a stronger workforce of STEM experts starts at the primary and secondary levels of education and is only possible when opportunities for students exist. STEM-educated professionals determine our nation’s capacity to innovate, so many organizations, companies and private benefactors offer STEM scholarships to help support students pursuing their degree.
In a speech at the fifth White House Science Fair, former president, Barack Obama, addressed the importance of STEM in education, its impacts on our ability to grow as a nation and creating more student accessibility.
“[Science] is more than a school subject, or the periodic table, or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world...” — Barack Obama, former president of the U.S. on STEM education
Obama’s remarks are a reminder to us all that through STEM, innovation is possible and we must work to create opportunities that allow students to reach their educational goals. Explore our STEM scholarship guide below to learn more about merit-based opportunities and use our interactive scholarship tool to sort through scholarships based on award amount and concentration.
STEM Concentrations
Science: Science is about discovering and describing the world we live in often with a focus on answering the “how” and “why” questions. Various different kinds of sciences can fall under this umbrella of STEM. Students can focus on anything from physics, chemistry, life sciences, geoscience, astronomy, social sciences and environmental studies to name a few.
Technology: With a growing focus and dependency on technology, this category has become one of the fastest growing and most popular concentrations within STEM. A large part of the technology umbrella includes computer sciences such as information technology, programming, web development, software development, IT architecture, database administration and security and systems analysis.
Engineering: This category is generally divided into six major branches: mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, management, and geotechnical with hundreds of subcategories based on major.
Math: Math prepares students for many careers in academia or business. As an essential component to science, technology and engineering concentrations, math includes the subcategories of applied and theoretical mathematics, statistics, calculus, finance and probability.
Offers free online courses in computer science from a variety of Ivy League schools.
How to Pay for College
1
Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for STEM students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
2
Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
3
Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
4
Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
5
Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
STEM Scholarships
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by concentration, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.
ESA Foundation Scholarship Program: esports Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
March 2, 2021
This year, as part of its 2020-21 scholarship program, the ESA Foundation introduced its first-ever esports scholarship, offering academic support for women and minorities competitively gaming through their U.S. colleges and universities.Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 9, 2021
Candidates are those enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate institution in the Southern states of Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Students must be women pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or the automotive field.
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
The scholarship awards first-generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. The candidate must be graduating a high school, who will pursue a full-time undergraduate degree in the United States at any 4-year university by fall semester and plan to study in listed concentrations such as Transportation Management, STEM, Psychology, Spanish, Architecture Language/Literature, Environmental Design, Pre-Med.
BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
This annual scholarship is for students pursuing an engineering or related science degree through an ABET accredited program. Must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and be a U.S. citizen to apply.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
March 16, 2021
Students must be nominated by faculty in their engineering program to be considered for this award. Students do not need to be pursuing an astronaut career to be eligible for this award. Check website for participating institutions.
ASDSO Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 - $10000
Deadline:
March 31, 2021
The ASDSO Scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited programs in engineering or fields related to the design, construction, or operation of dams. Students must be enrolled in an accredited civil engineering program, or in a related field as determined by ASDSO. Also, the applicant must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in hydraulics, hydrology or geotechnical disciplines.
Association of Old Crows Scholarships
Amount: $12,500
Deadline:
March 31, 2021
Students and prospective students who are interested in national defense or who are active duty members may apply. Current eligibility requirements are listed on the scholarship website.
California Health Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Scholarships are awarded to underrepresented students pursuing a health-related profession in the state of California.
HENAAC Scholars Program
Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Applicant must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate college or university program and be pursuing a degree in STEM. Applicant must be of Hispanic descent and/or must deminonstrate significant leadership or service within the underserved community. and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Candidates must be undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited four year institution and majoring in math, engineering, biological or physical sciences, or science fiction as literature. Candidates may be the residents of any country.
TMCF Wells Fargo Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Applicant must be attending one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be an upperclassmen pursuing majors in business, finance, mathematics, accounting, statistics, and other relevant fields.
Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship
Amount: $1,000-$10,000
Deadline:
April 5, 2021
Students planning on attending, or who are enrolled in an accredited four year institution are welcome to apply. This scholarship is renewable for U.S. citizens who have worked — or have parents who have worked — in the footwear industry fro at least 2 years.
Texas Space Grant Consortium Columbia Crew Memorial Undergraduate Scholarships
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 24, 2021
Eligible applicants include full-time students at a TSGC member institution or a sophomore at a two-year institution, a junior or senior at a four-year institution or a first- or second-year student at a medical school. Preference given to students who show academic excellence, leadership, and an emphasis on the STEM fields.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Scholarships
Amount: varies
Deadline:
April 30, 2021
This need-based scholarship honors Hispanics pursuing a degree in STEM related fields. SHPE provides over $450,000 in scholarships to fill the gap in Hispanic education and successful career placement. Must have a 2.75 GPA and be a SHPE member to apply.
A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 15, 2021
Candidates for this award are full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing a degree in medicine, engineering, physical science, natural resources, math or science.
Women Forward in Technology
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
June 17, 2021
The Minority Corporate Counsel Association awards one student this non-renewable scholarship to a student in their first year of law school. Students can register on the scholarship website to learn more about specific eligibility requirements.
Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
July 20, 2021
Students worldwide are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students, majoring in a science related field such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and molecular biology, are encouraged to apply. Must have a 3.0 GPA to be considered.
Capital Auto Auction STEM Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
August 15, 2021
To qualify, undergraduate students must be majoring in a STEM field of study (or related field) as well as attending an accredited college or university.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
October 23, 2021
This scholarship is offered to Washington State residents who have acquired a high school diploma or GED from a Washington state institution. Must fill out a FAFSA to apply. See website for more details.
