STEM Scholarships for High School Students

As you consider a future in STEM, you may feel intimidated by the cost of a college education. Many STEM careers require a degree, but earning one doesn’t come cheap. If you want to attend college, start planning for the future by checking out (and applying for) scholarships.

If you plan to pursue a career in a science, technology, engineering, or math-related field, STEM-specific scholarships can help you cover the cost of your tuition. These scholarships can range from a few thousand dollars to a full ride. Some scholarships cater to students across all STEM majors, while others are focused on more specific fields like chemistry or computer science. Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship. Some are geared towards students of a specific background or identity, while others require a project or essay to apply. Some are needs-based, and others are merit-based.

Researching and applying for scholarships takes time and effort, but over $46 billion in scholarships are awarded yearly (and students who get scholarships are 20% more likely to avoid heavy student loan debt).  Why not take a chance and see what’s out there? Here are 15 amazing STEM scholarships to check out before you graduate high school.

Scholarships that require a project or essay

Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Amount: $250,000
Description: This scholarship is appropriate for high schoolers of all grades interested in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. To apply, students must create an original two-minute video presentation explaining a scientific idea and submit peer reviews for five other submissions. Learn more
Deadline: June

Regeneron Science Talent Search
Amount: Up to $250,000
Description: High school seniors use an original, independent research project to apply for this scholarship. The top 40 finalists receive a $25,000+ scholarship and trip to Washington, D.C., to present their research. Learn more
Deadline: November

RevPart STEM Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,000
Description: Seniors planning to attend a college and pursue a STEM degree can apply for this merit-based essay scholarship. Applicants need to submit a short essay describing who they are and why they should win the scholarship. Learn more
Deadline: December

Scholarships sponsored by tech companies

Generation Google Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Description: Google established this scholarship for future leaders in the field of computer science. Applicants must be high school seniors planning to major in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field. Learn more
Deadline: April

Black at Microsoft Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Description: Each year, Microsoft offers fifty-five BAM scholarships to high school seniors of African descent. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, a passion for technology, and financial need. Learn more
Deadline: March

Navisite’s Next Steminist Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Description: Navisite, part of Accenture, awards three scholarships each year to women pursuing degrees in STEM. The application is open to women interested in various STEM fields, including electrical and chemical engineering, computer science, and data science. Learn more
Deadline: May

Scholarships with internship opportunities

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Amount: Up to $40,000
Description: While this sounds like a scholarship available to engineering students only, it’s intended for students interested in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, or other computer science-related degrees. Winners will participate in a paid summer internship at Amazon. Learn more
Deadline: Varies

Dellums SMART Scholarship
Amount: $30,000 - $46,000
Description: This unique scholarship is a long-term investment in your education, providing a pathway towards a tuition-free degree and a guaranteed job after graduation. With a SMART scholarship, students earn an annual stipend and participate in summer internships, leading to a career with the DoD. Learn more
Deadline: December

NSA STOKES Educational Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $30,000 per year
Description: This is another recruitment scholarship leading to a career with the National Security Agency. You’ll earn a salary to offset the cost of your degree and participate in full-time paid summer internships between each year of college. Learn more
Deadline: October

Scholarships for women in STEM

The Science Ambassador Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Description: This scholarship, funded by Cards Against Humanity, awards five scholarships to women and non-binary students pursuing STEM degrees. High school seniors must submit a three-minute video to apply. Learn more
Deadline: Fall

Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Description: This essay-based scholarship is all about EV tech. Each year, Hyundai awards five scholarships to women who submit the best essay on how EV tech will improve the planet and shift us toward a more sustainable future. Learn more
Deadline: June

BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Description: Students planning to attend college next year can apply for this scholarship by writing an essay about their favorite app or how an app they use has improved their day. If you have not made your final decision about where to attend college before the deadline, you can apply as “Undecided.” Learn more
Deadline: April

Scholarships for underrepresented groups in STEM

For A Bright Future – STEM Scholarship
Amount: Up to $10,000
Description: To qualify for this scholarship, students must demonstrate high grades, charitable impact, work experience, extracurriculars, and special circumstances they’ve overcome, such as economic or social hardships. Students must include an essay and be enrolled or plan to enroll in a STEM or sustainability degree program. Learn more
Deadline: May

American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program
Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
Description: Underrepresented students pursuing degrees in chemistry or other chemistry-related fields can qualify for this renewable award. Winners are selected based on overall excellence in academics, leadership, extracurriculars, and community service. Learn more
Deadline: March

HITEC Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
Description: The HITEC Foundation has a mission to support Hispanic students pursuing careers in technology. This scholarship covers many technology-related majors, including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and web development. Learn more
Deadline: March

Where to find more STEM scholarships

These are just some of the many STEM-focused scholarships available to students gearing up for college. Check out these websites to continue your scholarship search:

• Scholarships360.org
• Sallie.com
• Scholarships.com

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for scholarships throughout your college journey! You’ll be surprised at how many opportunities you’ll become eligible for as you work towards your bachelor’s degree. Plus, if you plan to pursue a Master’s or PhD, remember to look for scholarships to help offset the costs of those degrees, too!

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to Your Future In STEM here.