Scholarships for high school students, particularly in STEM fields, can offer significant advantages. Scholarships are not just a helping hand in covering the costs of education; they can be a golden ticket to making college dreams a reality for students from all sorts of financial backgrounds.  By covering tuition, books, or even living expenses, scholarships allow students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about financial constraints. This support often encourages students to pursue advanced education and career paths they might otherwise find unattainable.

STEM-specific scholarships are especially valuable as they promote skills in science, technology, engineering, and math—fields in high demand in today’s economy. By incentivizing students to enter these disciplines, scholarships help cultivate a skilled workforce capable of innovation and problem-solving. Plus, these scholarships often come with some cool extras, like mentorship programs, internships, or chances to network with pros in the STEM world. That's the kind of experience that can set you up for success down the line.

Here are 10 STEM scholarships that high school students absolutely should apply for!

1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Program Dates: 

• Summer Cohort: June – August

• Fall Cohort: September – December

• Winter Cohort: December – February

• Spring Cohort: March – June

Eligibility:

• You must be currently enrolled in high school

• Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

• No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program is remote, allowing students to work from anywhere while developing an independent research project over 12 weeks to a year.

The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the program’s conclusion, participants will have developed an independent research paper, which can be a standout feature on college applications and portfolios. The program emphasizes academic achievement, yet no prior research experience is required—making it accessible for students eager to explore their intellectual curiosity.

With full financial aid available for qualified applicants, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an excellent fit for motivated students interested in pursuing research while still in high school. You can choose research topics from various STEM subjects such as physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, marine science, and more. You can find more details about the application here!

2. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Cost: Free

Location: Remote (Finals Week in Washington, D.C.)

Application Deadline: November 7, 2024

Program Dates: March 6 - 12, 2025 (Regeneron STS Finals Week)

Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who either attend school in the US or its territories. U.S. citizens going to school abroad may also qualify.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a renowned competition that highlights exceptional high school seniors excelling in science and mathematics. Organized by the Society for Science, this competition highlights the scientific talents of students who have conducted original, independent research in STEM fields. Each year, about 1,800 students enter the competition, with the top 300 recognized as scholars and the top 40 selected as finalists who are invited to Washington, D.C., for the Finals Week. 

Finalists are given an all-expenses-paid trip to showcase their projects in front of respected judges and compete for major scholarship awards. They also have the chance to engage with prominent scientists and public figures during the event. The top prize is a $250,000 scholarship, with second and third-place winners receiving $175,000 and $150,000, respectively. Alongside these substantial financial rewards, the competition offers participants valuable recognition and networking opportunities to further their scientific careers.

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Cost: Free to apply 

Location: Remote, with an in-person awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

Application Deadline: TBA, but the application opens November 1, 2024

Program Dates: Applicants will be notified the latest by July 15, 2025

Eligibility: Open to applicants younger than 18 as of the application deadline who are U.S. citizens, permanently reside in the U.S., or are stationed over

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a distinguished program offering scholarships of $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 to over 20 exceptionally gifted young people. To qualify, applicants must have completed a significant project in areas like STEM, literature, music, philosophy, or creative "outside the box" innovations. The work must make a meaningful contribution to society and be recognized by experts as impactful. This could involve groundbreaking ideas, innovative solutions, or notable advancements in a specific field. 

Each year, the Davidson Fellows are honored during a special reception in Washington, D.C., where they also have the opportunity to meet with Congressional representatives. Recipients are not only awarded substantial financial support but also gain national recognition and access to a prestigious network of past fellows and professionals in their field. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship plays a crucial role in fostering the academic and career development of these young talents.

4. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Cost: Free

Location: Remote, with an awards ceremony in Atlanta, GA

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 

Program Dates: April 25 - 28, 2025 (Scholars Banquet)

Eligibility: Open to high school seniors living in the U.S. 

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a highly regarded scholarship that recognizes U.S. high school seniors for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service. Each year, 150 students are awarded $20,000 to help fund their college education. The program values well-rounded students who not only excel in academics but also make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Recipients of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship are invited to attend a celebratory weekend in Atlanta, GA, where they connect with fellow scholars, attend leadership development workshops, and are honored at the annual Scholars Banquet. The program promotes leadership growth and civic engagement, inspiring scholars to continue making an impact. Beyond the financial support, recipients join a vast network of more than 6,900 alumni, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in various industries and fields.

5. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Cost: Free to enter (requires qualification through an affiliated fair)

Location: Columbus, OH (in-person competition)

Application Deadline: Varies by regional fairs

Program Dates: Participants may submit projects with up to 12 months of continuous research, but any research done more than 18 months before the Regeneron ISEF competition is not eligible. Although local, regional, and state-affiliated fairs are held year-round, they all wrap up by early April.

Eligibility: To qualify for Regeneron ISEF, students in grades 9-12 or the equivalent must first participate in an affiliated science fair and earn a spot to compete at the international level. Only those who win at these local or regional fairs can move on to Regeneron ISEF.

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) stands as the largest global pre-college science competition, annually bringing together more than 1,800 high school students from over 75 countries, regions, and territories. ISEF participants showcase their independent research in fields such as biology, engineering, chemistry, and computer science, competing for scholarships and awards totaling over $9 million.

To qualify for ISEF, students must first win at an affiliated local, regional, or national science fair, which grants them the opportunity to present their research at this prestigious global event. The top prize includes a $75,000 award, with many other special awards and scholarships available across multiple categories.  The week-long event features public project exhibitions, interactions with esteemed scientists, and a formal awards ceremony.

ISEF provides an invaluable platform for recognizing outstanding scientific talent. Beyond the competition, participants can build professional connections and gain recognition, while the event serves as a source of inspiration for future breakthroughs in science and engineering.

6. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

Cost: Free

Location: Regional and national locations (national event likely in Albuquerque, NM).

Application Deadline: Varies by region

Program Dates: Estimated to take place early May 2025

Eligibility: Open to high school students who participate in STEM research

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a prestigious national STEM competition for high school students, supported by the Department of Defense.  Through a series of regional and national events, JSHS challenges students to conduct original research in fields such as biology, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Participants showcase their research through oral presentations and poster sessions, which are reviewed by a panel of STEM experts.

The program offers a unique platform for students to receive feedback on their work, enhance their public speaking and presentation skills, and connect with both peers and professionals. Regional winners move on to the national symposium, where they vie for substantial scholarships and awards. Along with regional prizes, the national competition awards a total of $192,000 in scholarships: first-place winners each receive $12,000, second-place winners are awarded $8,000, and third-place winners earn $4,000.

7. National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship

Cost: Free 

Location: Remote, with a presentation in Washington, D.C. 

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

Program Dates: Notifications will be sent to the winner in January.

Eligibility: Open to high school students with a 3.3+ GPA unweighted 

The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship is an annual award given to a high school senior passionate about STEM and aiming for a career in the field. The recipient receives $20,000 and the honor of delivering the keynote speech at the National Space Club's Goddard Memorial Dinner, a prestigious event attended by leading aerospace professionals, educators, and policymakers.

To be eligible, students must demonstrate academic excellence, public speaking skills, and a passion for a future in space-related fields. This scholarship highlights the importance of STEM education while giving students significant exposure and recognition within the aerospace industry. The program covers travel and lodging for the recipient and a guest to attend the event in Washington, D.C. No prior experience in the field is necessary to apply, making it an opportunity worth exploring for any interested student.

8. Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship

Cost: Free 

Location: Remote 

Application Deadline: April 1, 2025. 

Program Dates: January - April is the application period. 

Eligibility: Open to high school students with U.S. citizenship and a plan to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. four-year college/university in these majors: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Physics

The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship is created to support the next generation of innovators by offering renewable scholarships worth $10,000 annually to high school seniors and undergraduates pursuing degrees in STEM fields such as engineering, computer science, and physics. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, allowing recipients to receive a total of $40,000 throughout their college careers.

A key focus of the program is to increase diversity in STEM by supporting students from underrepresented groups. Beyond financial aid, recipients benefit from mentoring, exclusive networking events, and potential internship opportunities with Lockheed Martin, giving them direct access to industry leaders and helping them build successful STEM careers.

9. Amazon Future Engineering Scholarship

Cost: Free

Location: Remote

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in December. 

Program Dates: Sometime in the summer, students will have the opportunity to pursue an internship with Amazon. 

Eligibility: Open to high school seniors with U.S. citizenship (can be permanent residents) who plan to pursue a degree in computer-related fields. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. 

The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is a highly regarded program that provides $40,000 scholarships to as many as 400 high school seniors intending to study computer science or a related discipline. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients are also guaranteed a paid summer internship at Amazon following their freshman year in college, providing them with hands-on experience in the tech industry.

This initiative is designed to assist students from underserved communities and enhance diversity within the technology sector. Scholarship recipients gain direct access to mentorship and professional development opportunities through Amazon, making it an excellent stepping stone for students aiming to break into the tech industry.

10. Generation Google Scholarship

Cost: Free 

Location: Remote (applicable to U.S. and Canadian universities)

Application Deadline: Applications typically close late April or when 1,250 eligible application responses are received 

Eligibility: 

• Open to high school seniors planning to enroll full-time in a U.S. or Canadian-accredited university. 

• Applicants must be pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. 

• Emphasis is placed on students from underrepresented groups in technology, such as women, Black, Latino, or Indigenous students. 

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a strong academic record.

The Generation Google Scholarship is designed to support future computer scientists, helping them thrive in technology and emerge as leaders in the field. Each year, the scholarship offers $10,000 to high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who intend to pursue degrees in computer science or related areas.

In addition to financial aid, recipients are connected with the Google community, where they can benefit from mentorship, professional development, and attend the annual Google Scholars’ Retreat. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of diverse leaders in technology, providing not only financial support but also the resources and connections to excel in the tech industry.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

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