NSF S-STEM Scholarship Program 2027 in USA (Funded)
Summary
The NSF S-STEM Scholarship Program 2027 (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a major initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Designed to strengthen the American STEM workforce and spur technological innovation, the program provides significant financial funding to higher education institutions. These institutions, in turn, deliver scholarships and evidence-based support services to academically talented, low-income domestic students seeking degree programs in STEM disciplines.
Designation
Funding Category: Institutional Grants & Higher Education STEM Scholarships
Degree Levels Supported: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
Funding Tracks and Award Overview
The NSF S-STEM initiative operates through three main funding tracks to accommodate different institutional capacities and inter-institutional collaborations:
| Funding Track | Maximum Award Amount | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Track 1: Institutional Capacity Building | Up to $2,000,000 | Up to 6 years |
| Track 2: Implementation Projects | Up to $2,000,000 | Up to 6 years |
| Track 3: Inter-institutional Consortia | Up to $5,000,000 | Up to 6 years |
Research Area & Eligible Disciplines
Funding is directed toward degrees and educational research within NSF-supported STEM disciplines. Eligible fields include:
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Engineering and Engineering Technology
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
- Chemical Technology and Physical Sciences
- Other non-clinical, NSF-supported science fields
Excluded Disciplines
The following degree programs are not eligible for S-STEM funding:
- Clinical degree programs (e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy)
- Business Administration programs (e.g., BBA, BABA, BSBA, MBA)
- STEM teacher certification/licensure programs covered under the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program
Location
Country: United States of America (USA)
Eligibility and Qualifications
Eligibility for the NSF S-STEM program applies to both educational institutions receiving grants and individual students awarded scholarships through those institutions.
Student Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship/Residency: Must be a domestic student meeting NSF program residency standards.
- Financial Status: Must demonstrate low-income status and unmet financial need.
- Academic Performance: Must demonstrate academic talent, promise, or ability.
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time or part-time in an eligible Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral STEM degree program.
Institutional Eligibility Criteria
- Proposals must be submitted by accredited U.S. higher education institutions.
- Eligible institutions include two-year colleges, primarily undergraduate institutions, public/private colleges, and urban, suburban, or rural universities.
Scholarship Description
Under funding opportunity NSF 25-514, the S-STEM program aims to bridge the gap between financial need and high academic potential. It goes beyond tuition assistance by requiring recipient institutions to establish evidence-based support systems—including mentoring, career preparation, research experiences, and transfer assistance. This comprehensive approach boosts enrollment, retention, and graduation rates among underrepresented and low-income students in critical STEM sectors.
How to Apply
Funding is awarded directly to higher education institutions, which then administer scholarships locally to eligible students. Interested institutions and applicants must adhere to the following steps:
- For Institutions: Eligible colleges and universities must review solicitation NSF 25-514 alongside the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). An institution may submit up to two proposals per deadline, provided the designated STEM fields do not overlap.
- For Students: Individual students interested in receiving S-STEM scholarship aid should inquire directly through the financial aid or STEM department of their participating U.S. institution.
To view official guidelines and program details, access the link below:
Apply via the Official NSF S-STEM Program Link
Last Date to Apply
Application Deadline: March 2, 2027
Note: Future proposal deadlines recur annually on the first Tuesday in March.