By Maureen Ryan Thorpe
As a high school student getting ready to head off to college, you might be worried about the cost of tuition. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available that can help you fund your education. Database websites, like Fastweb, Scholarships.com and the College Board, will help you with the search. But there are additional search databases that can aid you in your search as well, including the NSTEM resource database. Below are several national STEM college scholarships for high school students that were drawn from NSTEM’s vast resource database.
1. The Gates Scholarships
The Gates Scholarships Program is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards full-ride scholarships to outstanding minority students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The scholarship is open to high school seniors who are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander, and who have a minimum GPA of 3.3.
2. Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers a variety of scholarships to high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in engineering or technology. These scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000 and are open to those who identify as women. To be eligible, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
3. Microsoft Scholarships
The Microsoft Scholarship Program awards tuition and conference scholarships to encourage students to further their learnings in computer science and related STEM disciplines. Recipients are recognized for their passion for technology, academic excellence, and leadership, all while working to push the software industry forward.
4. Barry Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards up to $7,500 per year to outstanding undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in science, mathematics, or engineering. The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or nationals who have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
5. American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society (ACS) offers a variety of scholarships and awards to undergraduate and graduate students who plan to pursue a career in chemistry or a related field. Some of these programs include the ACS Scholars Program, the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Scholarship, and the ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
6. Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship Program
The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship Program was launched as part of investment in the next generation of STEM talent. Each year, the STEM Scholarship Program awards $10,000 to 200 recipients studying engineering or computer science at a 4-year college or university. Additional consideration is given to applicants who self-identify as members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers. Recipients may renew the scholarship up to three times for a total potential value of $40,000 per student.
7. BAE Systems FIRST Scholarship Program
The BAE Systems FIRST Scholarship Program is a nation-wide annual program that enhances opportunities for students that plan to seek a career in engineering and computer science. Students are eligible who have been on a FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge team sponsored by the company’s Electronic Systems sector during the current year’s competition season.
Tip: Students shouldn’t rule out looking for local scholarships, since these awards are often less competitive. Still, national scholarships can be financially rewarding. Try applying for a mix of scholarship offerings. Remember to apply early and often, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a scholarship right away. Scholarship deadlines occur throughout the year. Also, you can continue to apply for scholarships throughout your college career. With perseverance and dedication, you can achieve your goals and make your college dreams a reality.
Do you want more resources on the topic of scholarships? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level and state. This comprehensive library includes info on scholarships, internships, enrichment activities, curricula and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your 9-12 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
