As a high school student, you might already be thinking about how to make your college application stand out. If you're serious about pursuing a degree in STEM and are looking for the resources to enable that, scholarships like the Lockheed Martin Scholarship can open doors to incredible opportunities. Beyond financial support, this prestigious program offers mentorship and potential internships, giving you a head start in your STEM career.

What is the Lockheed Martin Scholarship?

The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship Program is funded by Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies. The scholarship is aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, providing them with resources to pursue a STEM degree. Selected scholars receive $10,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, totaling $40,000. The program’s broader goal is to create a highly skilled and diverse STEM workforce. Along with financial aid, the scholarship offers mentorship opportunities and potential internships at Lockheed Martin, giving you practical industry experience.

How is the scholarship structured?

The scholarship provides $10,000 per year to fund tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Scholars are expected to maintain academic performance to renew the award for up to four years. The scholarship is open to both U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited undergraduate programs.

Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of career and educational goals, and unusual personal or family circumstances.

Is it prestigious?

The Lockheed Martin Scholarship is an extremely selective and highly prestigious program that only accepts 100 students per year. Alumni of the program find themselves connected to influential professionals through networking opportunities provided by Lockheed Martin. If you’re determined and passionate, you may even go on to secure internships and even full-time positions with the company, giving you a significant advantage in your career. The financial aid portion of the scholarship, while sizable on its own, is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the benefits it can provide.

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• You need to either be currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a full-time course in an accredited US four-year college or university in one of the following majors:

• Aerospace Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Mathematics

• Physics

• You must be a high school senior.

• Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How does the selection process work?

Each application for the Lockheed Martin Scholarship undergoes independent review by a partner organization, Scholarship America. Your merit in academics, extracurricular activities, and work experience are all thoroughly evaluated, and your financial needs are assessed as well.

The application period for the 2024 cycle began in January 2024, and closed mid-March 2024. Make sure to complete your FAFSA early, as it is required for determining financial need. No application fees are involved.

Pros and cons to consider

Pros:

1. Generous financial support: $40,000 over four years can significantly reduce the financial burden of college.

2. It is a renewable scholarship: Continuity of funding ensures stability throughout your undergraduate education.

3. Thorough industry exposure: Mentorship and potential internships at Lockheed Martin provide hands-on experience.

4. It is highly prestigious: Being selected for such an academically demanding and selective scholarship adds significant value to your academic and professional profile.

5. Great networking opportunities: Lockheed Martin offers several opportunities to connect with industry leaders and professionals in STEM fields, both from within the firm as well as the broader industries.

Cons:

1. It is highly competitive: Only 100 scholars are selected per year, making it extremely hard to secure a spot.

2. It is restricted to STEM: While not a con per se, it is important to consider that the scholarship funds are only available to applicants who are actively pursuing STEM fields.

3. Renewal requirements: Maintaining eligibility requires consistent academic performance and full-time enrollment.

Our review

The Lockheed Martin Scholarship is undoubtedly a strong option highly worth considering if you’re pursuing a STEM degree. Beyond the financial support, it provides invaluable career-building opportunities, such as mentorship and internships. However, the competitive nature of the scholarship and its specific eligibility criteria mean you’ll need to prepare thoroughly to maximize your chances. If you meet the requirements and are ready to put in the effort, this program could be the next step in your educational and professional journey.

Image Source - Lockheed Martin Logo