Scholarships for High School Students Interested in STEM

If you're a high school student thinking about college, one of the biggest things on your mind is probably how to afford it. College is expensive, and for many of us, that cost can be the biggest barrier. Scholarships can make a huge difference. Some may only cover a few hundred dollars to help with books or fees. Others can cover full tuition, housing, and even travel or living expenses. There are also scholarships that renew every year, giving you continued support throughout college.

The key is to start early and stay consistent. The earlier you begin searching and applying, the more chances you give yourself. There are scholarships you’ll be automatically considered for just by applying to a school, and others that require a separate application with essays, recommendations, or interviews. It’s important to understand the difference so you don’t miss any deadlines or opportunities.

Think of scholarships as more than just money. They’re a form of recognition. Below are some tips, tools, and scholarships to help you get started.

Where to Start Looking

Scholarship databases are resourceful, but before that try these steps first:

  • Check your school’s homepage or counseling center. Many schools list local scholarships or have newsletters and bulletins with opportunities.

  • Look in your community. Local rotary clubs, churches, foundations, and civic organizations often offer small scholarships, and fewer people apply.

  • Visit your state’s department of education website. Many states have grant programs, free college initiatives, or scholarships tied to your intended major or academic achievement.

  • Talk to your teachers and mentors. They might know of opportunities that aren't widely posted online.

Look Into Full Ride Schools

In addition to external scholarships, some colleges offer full-ride or full-tuition scholarships to a small number of incoming students. These usually go to students who show a mix of academic excellence, leadership, service, or strong personal stories. Some of these schools automatically consider you when you apply, while others require a separate application or nomination.

Here are a few schools that offer competitive full-ride or full-tuition programs:

  • Virginia Tech – Presidential Scholarship Initiative (PSI): Full cost of attendance for high-achieving, low-income Virginia residents. Includes mentorship and community support.​

  • UNC Chapel Hill – Morehead-Cain Scholarship: Full-ride scholarship covering tuition, room and board, and summer enrichment programs.​

  • Duke University – Robertson Scholars Program: Provides full tuition, room and board, and funding for summer experiences.​

  • University of Virginia – Jefferson Scholars Program: Covers the entire cost of attendance and provides enrichment opportunities.​

  • Washington University in St. Louis – Danforth Scholars Program: Offers full or partial tuition scholarships based on academic excellence and leadership.​

  • Vanderbilt University – Ingram Scholars / Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship: Full-tuition scholarships awarded for academic achievement and leadership.​

  • University of Southern California – Trustee Scholarship: Full-tuition scholarship for exceptional academic achievement.​

  • Howard University – Karsh STEM Scholars Program: Full scholarships for students pursuing STEM fields, including tuition, room and board, and more.​

  • University of Alabama – National Merit / Presidential Scholarships: Full-tuition scholarships for National Merit Finalists and other high-achieving students.​

  • Boston University – Trustee Scholarship: Full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees.​

  • Florida A&M University – Life-Gets-Better Scholarship (for STEM majors): Full scholarships for exceptional students in STEM disciplines.​

Tip: Always check if you’re automatically considered when you apply to the school, or if you have to submit a separate scholarship application by an earlier deadline.

Scholarships for High School Students in STEM

Here’s a list of national STEM-related scholarships that high school students can look into. Some are full rides, others are partial, but all of them are focused on helping students succeed in college, especially those in STEM

Gates Scholarship: Full cost of attendance for Pell-eligible students of color

Coca-Cola Scholars Program: $20,000 for leadership and academics

Ron Brown Scholar Program: $40,000 over four years for African-American high school seniors

Posse Foundation Scholarship: Full tuition leadership scholarship

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship: Up to $55,000 per year

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship: $40,000 + paid internship

Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship: $10,000 renewable

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

UNCF STEM Scholars Program

Dell Scholars Program: $20,000 plus support services

ACS Scholars Program (Chemistry students of color)

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Additional Resources

These sites will help you find scholarships based on your background and/or interests:

Avoid applying to scholarships that ask you to pay a fee. Legitimate scholarships should always be free to apply for. There’s money out there. You just have to start looking and stay consistent. Keep a spreadsheet of deadlines. Reuse parts of your essays, and don’t count yourself out

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