The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a grant opportunity aimed at fostering success in STEM education among academically talented and low-income students. The program supports these students in attaining associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in eligible STEM disciplines, preparing them for significant contributions to the U.S. innovation economy. Acknowledging that financial aid alone is insufficient to ensure success, the program also funds institutional efforts to implement and study evidence-based strategies to boost recruitment, retention, transfer, and graduation rates. The initiative particularly prioritizes fields critical to national needs, excluding clinical programs, business administration degrees, and STEM teacher licensure programs.

The program offers significant financial support, with an estimated total funding of $120,000,000 for approximately 60 awards. Individual awards range from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. Proposals are solicited from accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, including two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Specific eligibility requirements apply to principal investigators, who must be faculty members or administrators with relevant experience and the capacity to lead the project effectively. Institutions must present a robust case for the benefits of their proposed initiatives, focusing on low-income students with demonstrated unmet financial need and academic potential.

Funding from the S-STEM program is not limited to scholarships but extends to curricular and co-curricular activities that enhance student success. These include academic support, career development, and initiatives tailored to the unique needs of the target student population. Proposers are encouraged to articulate the characteristics and challenges faced by these students and design programs addressing critical gaps. The program also prioritizes proposals from diverse institutions such as Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), predominantly undergraduate colleges, and public institutions across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Eligible programs include degrees in NSF-funded disciplines, such as biotechnology, chemical engineering, information technology, and other STEM fields. Exclusions apply to clinical degree programs (e.g., medical, nursing, veterinary) and business-related degrees. Applicants uncertain about eligibility are advised to consult program officers before submission. Collaborative projects involving multiple departments or institutions must have clearly defined leadership roles, with a single principal investigator taking overall responsibility.

Applications are due by March 4, 2025, and must comply with NSF guidelines. Submissions should include detailed analyses of the target student population, a clear articulation of program benefits, and plans for evidence-based implementation. Evaluation criteria will likely include alignment with program goals, the feasibility of proposed strategies, and the potential impact on low-income STEM students. Applicants should thoroughly review the NSF publication associated with this funding opportunity (25-514) for comprehensive requirements and guidance.

This grant opportunity is ideal for institutions aiming to strengthen their STEM programs while supporting underrepresented and low-income students. Interested parties should act promptly, leveraging NSF resources and support channels to refine their proposals. Further information is available through NSF's official publication or by contacting grants.gov support.