If you’re planning to pursue a STEM degree in college, you should consider applying for scholarships to fund your education. Scholarships provide crucial support and present opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research. Plus, qualifying for prestigious scholarships will help your college applications stand out. 

Here are 10 STEM scholarships you can apply for as a high school student. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

Cost: The program is fully funded!

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

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility:You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.

The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here! 

2. Regeneron Science Talent Search 

Application Deadline: November 7

Duration: Application period spans June 1 – November 7

Location: Remote 

Eligibility: Any student living in and attending their last year of secondary school in the US and its territories may apply, regardless of citizenship. Students who are US citizens living abroad may also qualify.

Program Dates: Regeneron STS Finals Week spans March 6 – 12

Cost: None

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is one of the oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competitions for high school seniors. It recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional research skills and creativity through independent projects in STEM. Participants submit their research projects online, with the top 40 finalists invited to present their work. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to present their research to judges, compete for substantial scholarship awards, and engage with scientists and public figures. The top winner receives a $250,000 scholarship, with additional awards distributed among other finalists (such as $175,000 for second place and $150,000 for third place). To learn more about this competition, check out our complete guide here.

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Application Deadline: Fall (Exact date TBA)

Location: Remote

Eligibility: Must be 18 years or younger as of the application deadline and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the U.S. or stationed overseas due to active U.S. military duty

Program Dates: All applicants are notified of a decision on or before July 15

Cost: None

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious program that awards scholarships of $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 to 20+ highly gifted young individuals.  Applicants must have completed a significant project in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, and an “outside the box" category. To be awarded this scholarship, experts must recognize this project as capable of contributing positively to society. Recipients of the Davidson Fellows Scholarship are honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they can present their projects and connect with other talented young individuals and professionals. To learn more about this scholarship, check out our complete guide here.

4. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Application Deadline: September 30

Duration: The Coke Scholars Program application spans from August 1-September 30.

Location: Atlanta, GA

Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S.

Program Dates: Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend spans April 25-28

Cost: None

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship that rewards high school seniors in the United States for their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to community service. Each year, Coca-Cola awards 150 students a $20,000 scholarship to support their college education. Recipients of the Coca-Cola Scholarship gain access to its alumni network, connecting with past scholars who have made an impact in various fields. The scholarship program fosters leadership development and community involvement, encouraging students to continue their commitment to making a difference. Recipients can also participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend, a special event in which students participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute. For tips on winning this scholarship, check out our complete guide here.

5. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Application Deadline: Varies by regional fairs; typically held in late winter or early spring

Location: Remote

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 or equivalent must compete in a Regeneron ISEF-affiliated science fair and win the right to attend Regeneron ISEF

Program Dates: Students may present work that includes no more than 12 months of continuous research, and they may not include research performed more than 18 months before the Regeneron ISEF in which they will be competing. Local, regional, and state-affiliated fairs take place throughout the year, but all conclude by early April

Cost: None

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is the world's largest international pre-college science competition. Each year, it brings together over 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research projects. Participants compete in 21 different STEM categories, with the opportunity to win several awards and scholarships totaling over $9 million: 1st Award: $5,000 cash award, 2nd Award: $2,000 cash award, 3rd Award: $1,000 cash award, 4th Award: $500 cash award. ISEF provides a platform for young scientists to interact with peers from around the globe. The week-long event includes public exhibitions of projects, networking opportunities with scientists, and an awards ceremony. For tips from a past contest winner, see our blog here.  

6. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

Application Deadline: Varies by regional symposia; typically late winter or early spring

Location: Remote 

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

Program Dates: The next National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium will likely take place in early May

Cost: None

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a prestigious competition designed to encourage high school students to engage in original STEM research and present their findings. JSHS is organized regionally and culminates in a national symposium. Participants present their research through oral presentations and poster sessions, and the results are evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of experts in various STEM fields. JSHS provides a platform for students to gain valuable feedback, network with peers and professionals, and develop their public speaking and presentation skills. In addition to generous regional awards, a total of $192,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the national level. For tips on winning this competition, check out our complete guide here.

7. National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship

Application Deadline: Early December (Exact date TBA)

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

Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement

Program Dates: Non-recipients will not be notified; the winner will most likely be notified in early January. The recipient must be available to speak at the Goddard Memorial Dinner

Cost: None

The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior who demonstrates a passion for STEM and plans to pursue a career in this field. The scholarship provides a $10,000 award and the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at the National Space Club's annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, an event attended by aerospace professionals, policymakers, and educators. This prestigious scholarship gives its recipient significant exposure and recognition within the aerospace community. It encourages young scholars to further their education and contribute to advancing space exploration and technology. No prior knowledge is required to win this scholarship, so it’s definitely worth checking out!

8. Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship

Application Deadline: Early April (Exact date TBA)

Duration: Applications open in January

Location: Remote 

Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are U.S. citizens and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university in one of the STEM majors listed on the scholarship website.

Cost: None

The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship is designed to support high school seniors interested in pursuing degrees in STEM. Each year, up to 200 students are selected to receive $10,000 scholarships, which are renewable for up to three additional years, providing a total of $40,000 per student. This scholarship aims to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in STEM and support their academic and professional development. Recipients of the Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship also gain access to exclusive networking opportunities, mentoring, and potential internships with Lockheed Martin. To learn more about this scholarship, check out our complete guide here.

9. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Application Deadline: December (Exact date TBA)

Duration: The applications open in October and will stay open through December

Location: Remote.

Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Must be planning to pursue a degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or other computer-related fields and demonstrate financial need.

Program Dates: Offer to complete a summer internship at Amazon

Cost: None

The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is a prestigious program that awards $40,000 scholarships to up to 400 high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in computer science or a related field. In addition to the financial award, recipients are offered a guaranteed paid summer internship at Amazon after their freshman year of college. This program aims to support students from underserved communities and increase diversity in the tech industry. The internship opportunity allows scholars to gain valuable industry insights, develop professional skills, and build a network within one of the world's leading technology companies. To learn more about this scholarship, check out our complete guide here.

10. Generation Google Scholarship

Application Deadline: Mid-April (exact date TBA) or when 1,250 eligible application responses are received

Location: Remote 

Eligibility: High school seniors who intend to enroll in a full-time bachelor's degree program at a recognized college or university in the U.S. or Canada, must be planning to study computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field, demonstrate financial need, and have a strong academic record and leadership demonstrated through extracurricular activities

Cost: None

The Generation Google Scholarship aims to help aspiring computer scientists excel in technology and become leaders in the field. The scholarship awards $10,000 to high school seniors from underrepresented groups who plan to pursue a degree in computer science or a related field. In addition to the monetary award, scholarship recipients gain access to the Google community and resources, including an invitation to attend the annual Google Scholars' Retreat. This retreat provides networking opportunities with peers, Google engineers, and industry professionals, providing valuable connections within the tech industry.

One other option – the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

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