NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program
The NSF S-STEM program offers scholarships for low-income students in STEM fields to increase graduation rates and contribute to the American innovation economy.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: March 2, 2027 (Full proposals) | Rolling (Planning and conference proposals, after consultation)
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000–$5,000,000 awards; track-specific caps of $2,000,000 or $5,000,000 for up to 6 years
Summary: Supports institutional scholarships and evidence-based activities that improve low-income students’ STEM degree completion and career pathways.
Key Information: Only accredited two- and four-year institutions with a U.S. campus may submit proposals on behalf of faculty.
Description
The S-STEM program, run by NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education, helps academically talented, domestic low-income students with unmet financial need complete eligible STEM degrees and enter successful careers. Awards fund scholarships alongside evidence-based curricular and co-curricular supports for recruitment, retention, transfer, student success, and graduation. Projects must analyze the characteristics and academic needs of the students they intend to serve.
The program supports institutional capacity building, implementation projects, and inter-institutional consortia. NSF particularly encourages two-year institutions, predominantly undergraduate institutions, and urban, suburban, and rural public institutions. Proposals should establish the regional or national workforce need for the supported degrees and students’ prospects for rewarding STEM employment. Fields addressing critical national needs are of particular interest.
