What Are STEM Scholarship Programs?
Majoring in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) could make you a competitive candidate for high-paying jobs after graduation. It might also make you eligible for a STEM scholarship.
So, what is a STEM scholarship? A STEM scholarship provides money that you can use toward college. It’s a form of gift aid that you don’t have to pay back. You can use it on tuition, fees, or other costs that go into attending school.
Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility requirements, but STEM scholarships require that you’re majoring in (or planning to major in) a STEM subject. By pursuing STEM scholarships, you could earn money for college and potentially reduce the amount you have to borrow in student loans.
Types of STEM Scholarship Programs
There are various opportunities for STEM scholarships out there for both undergraduate and graduate students. Some scholarships are open to anyone, whereas others are geared toward helping underrepresented students enter STEM fields.
You may find STEM scholarship programs designed for:
- Women
- Minority students
- LGBTQ+ students
- Students with financial need
- Students enrolled in specific STEM programs
Top STEM Scholarship Programs & Awards
STEM scholarship programs are awarded to students with an interest in studying in one of the STEM fields. Here are some STEM scholarship opportunities worth exploring.
AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships Program
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) funds this scholarship program, which provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students around the world who are enrolled in science and engineering. AIAA has awarded over 1,300 scholarships over the past 20 years. The organization also has a special Graduate Awards Program that provides scholarships to graduate students doing research in the air and space sciences.
ASME Scholarships Program
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students both in the U.S. and across the globe. The scholarships are awarded to students who are ASME members and are enrolled in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.
USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards
The Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) offers four awards of US$5,000. These scholarships are open to students in their last two years of an undergraduate degree in science or engineering, specifically with an emphasis on space research, space science education, or aeronautics-related sciences.
MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship
If you’re looking for STEM scholarships for female students, check out MPOWER’s scholarship program. With a commitment to helping women across the globe receive an education in STEM fields, MPOWER awards three scholarships to international or DACA students every year. To be eligible, you must be a female student enrolled in a STEM degree program at an eligible school in the U.S. or Canada.
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) awards over 300 scholarships every year to women from around the world who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, technology, or computer science. All applicants must be enrolled in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited program.
Generation Google Scholarship
This is Google’s scholarship for students in underrepresented groups, including women, American Indian, Hispanic/Latinx, Black/African American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in computer science, computer engineering, or another related computer technology program.
You also must have high academic achievement and financial need, as well as be passionate about helping improve the representation of minority groups in computer science and technology.
The Out to Innovate Scholarships
Funded by the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, the Out to Innovate scholarship is awarded every other year to a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has already completed two years of their undergraduate or graduate STEM program. Eligibility relies on a strong academic performance and involvement in an organization or program that promotes the inclusion and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.
Find the Right STEM Scholarship for You
The scholarships on this list are just a few of the many STEM scholarship programs out there. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, so do your research to find the right opportunities for you.
Start your scholarship applications early, and gather all your documentation, such as transcripts and recommendation letters, so you have everything you need to apply. STEM scholarships can help fund your education as you work toward your degree in the U.S.
For more information on STEM scholarship programs, visit MPOWER Financing today.
