Scholarships
Finding a way to pay for college can be daunting. Even if you qualify for financial aid, you still might have to take out student loans to pay for the many expenses beyond tuition. Those loans add up, with interest rates often making a $20,000 loan turn into $35,000 once you are done paying for them.
Scholarships can help alleviate that burden.
Recently, a Snohomish County graduate was accepted into Gonzaga University’s Mechanical Engineering Program. After completing her FAFSA and College Bound Scholar pledge (just for graduating high school with a 2.0 or better and having no felony conviction), she qualified for $20,000 of federal and state financial aid each year. However, she still came short $30,000 each year to pay for books, fees, and much-needed engineering tools plus room and board to stay on campus. She was ready to give up her dreams because there was no way her family could afford that. Instead, she was encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as possible. After submitting 20 applications, including the $22,500 per year Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, she collected over $120,000 in scholarship money, allowing her to live her dream without getting into student loan debt.
Sure, it might take a little work and determination, but the money to pay for college is out there. Do not let your dreams slip away from you just because you have to spend some time searching and applying for these opportunities.
Getting Started
First, check out the search engines below and create a profile that sifts through hundreds of scholarships and determines which money you qualify for.
Next, take a closer look at the featured scholarships below designated just for STEM career fields.
Scholarship Search Engines
Head over to the GEAR UP website to get an awesome, always up-to-date listing of current scholarships
The Washboard is like a dating website for vetted scholarships. The more detailed your profile, the more matches you will receive.
College Scholarship Pages
Some colleges and universities have their own scholarship listings, including those available only to students entering or currently enrolled at that school. If you already know where you are headed, check out their scholarship page and apply now:
Nearby Community and Technical Colleges
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Skagit Valley College
Washington State Universities
University of Washington (main campus)
University of Washington, Bothell
Washington State University (Pullman)
Local High School Scholarship
Check your local high school for scholarships! Some local high schools have their own scholarship listings as well, including several that are only available to graduates of that high school:
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)
WSOS offers two scholarships (University and Career/Technical) to support Washington residents on their path to high-demand trade, health care or STEM fields. The 4-year University (baccalaureate) Scholarship provides up to $22,500 per year in financial support. WSOS also offers a Technical/Career Scholarship for those entering short-term certificate and degree programs at community and technical colleges, with support totaling $1500 per quarter.
WSOS supports students with flexible financial aid funding and student support services such as mentorship, professional development and networking. WSOS helps students achieve success from their first day on campus to the launch of their professional career in Washington state.
By STEM Focus
What are planning on studying? Select your intended STEM education category to see scholarships available.
Automotive Maintenance & Technology
Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
Applicants must have a sincere interest in an automotive career and must already be accepted at an accredited college, university, or trade school within the United States.
Electrical Generating Systems Association
David I. Coren Scholarship of $2,500 for up to eight students. These competitive, merit-based scholarships will be awarded to qualified students who plan to pursue a career in the On-Site Power Generation Industry (this may include Diesel Technicians.) Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
RunBidSell Automotive Scholarship for Black Women
Designed to assist and encourage black women to obtain degrees in automotive related fields to enhance their potential career path and the future of the automotive industry.
Computer Science and Information Systems
Apriorit Computer Science Scholarship
Apriorit offers an educational technology grant for high school seniors and graduate students in USA, who have been enrolled at a college or university for a computer engineering or computer science program
The mission of the Avista Scholars Program is to promote excellence in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering. This will produce innovators, problem solvers and diverse, talented employees of the future. Scholarships will be provided to students who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, innovation, community service, leadership and project management experience in four fields of study: Electrical engineering with power emphasis, Construction, Management information systems, Computer information systems
Degree Directory Computer Technology and Information Systems
A $500 scholarship who are interested in pursuing associate level degrees or certificates related to Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Networking, Computer Software, Database Technology, Information Security, and others.
Awarded to students studying or planning to study Computer Sciences/Software Engineering/Applied Math department at any US college/university
Softinventive Computer Science Scholarship
Awarded to legal residents of the United States who are graduates of a public or accredited private high school and enrolled in a computer engineering or computer science program at a US-based college or university
Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing
Engineering scholarship of $500 based on an essay application. Application deadline is typically early October each year.
American Welding Society Foundation
Several scholarships available to full-time students pursuing degrees in welding engineering and welding engineering technology. Various requirements, restrictions, and awards.
The mission of the Avista Scholars Program is to promote excellence in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering. This will produce innovators, problem solvers and diverse, talented employees of the future. Scholarships will be provided to students who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, innovation, community service, leadership and project management experience in four fields of study: Electrical engineering with power emphasis, Construction, Management information systems, Computer information systems
Electrical Generating Systems Association
David I. Coren Scholarship of $2,500 for up to eight students. These competitive, merit-based scholarships will be awarded to qualified students who plan to pursue a career in the On-Site Power Generation Industry (this may include Diesel Technicians.) Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
Awarded based on an original essay up to 1,500 words that describes how medical equipment technology has changed the face of a college course and curriculum.
Seattle American Society of Civil Engineers
Various scholarship opportunities for students pursuing a career in the engineering field.
SS Industries George D. Andrews Engineering Scholarship
Open to incoming freshmen accepted to a four-year accredited college or university and majoring in a field of engineering
Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the industry represented by the membership.
Washington Society of Professional Engineers
Provides Engineering Education Incentive Awards of $500 or more to students transitioning from a Washington community college into an accredited engineering program in the state of Washington.
Healthcare and Medical Fields
David Ghozland Scholarship Program
David Ghozland, M.D. is proud to support the next generation of medical professionals by providing a scholarship to a student showing excellent promise studying in the sciences or medical field.
Degree Directory Nursing and Medical Assisting
A $500 scholarship for students who are interested in pursuing associate level degrees or certificates related to Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapy, Veterinary Technology, Radiologic Technology and others.
EDUMED Nursing, Dental Hygienists, Technicians, & Medical Assistants Scholarships
A listing of several scholarships available to students interested in pursuing careers in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Office Technology, and Medical/Dental Office Assisting
Healthcare Leaders Scholarship
The Healthcare Leaders Scholarship, offered by nurse.org, is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student entering or currently pursuing an educational program related to nursing or medicine. Students must be at least 17 years of age and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All applicants must submit a 600- to 1,000-word essay explaining what they hope to accomplish during their career in the medical field and how the scholarship would fulfill those goals.
National Student Nurses’ Association
The Undergraduate Scholarship Program of the NSNA Foundation awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 based on academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in nursing student organizations and community activities related to health care.
Awarded based on an original essay up to 1,500 words that describes how medical equipment technology has changed the face of a college course and curriculum.
Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships
The Brehm Scholarships will recognize outstanding psychology undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Six $5,000 scholarships are available.
Construction and Public Utility Trades
American Welding Society Foundation
Several scholarships available to full-time students pursuing degrees in welding engineering and welding engineering technology. Various requirements, restrictions, and awards.
The mission of the Avista Scholars Program is to promote excellence in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering. This will produce innovators, problem solvers and diverse, talented employees of the future. Scholarships will be provided to students who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, innovation, community service, leadership and project management experience in four fields of study: Electrical engineering with power emphasis, Construction, Management information systems, Computer information systems
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
Awarded to students enrolling in residential construction-related programs.
Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the industry represented by the membership.
Marine Science and Maritime Trades
Electrical Generating Systems Association
David I. Coren Scholarship of $2,500 for up to eight students. These competitive, merit-based scholarships will be awarded to qualified students who plan to pursue a career in the On-Site Power Generation Industry (this may include Diesel Technicians.) Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
Each year MTS offers significant scholarships to college graduate, college undergraduate and senior high school students accepted into full-time marine-related programs with focus in marine technology, marine engineering and/or marine science.
Environmental Science
ExtremeTerrain Environmental Science Scholarship
Open to undergraduate students and high school seniors pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, Ecology, Land Use, Earth & Atmosphere Sciences, Sustainable Land Management, Environmental Biology, Sustainable Agriculture Systems.
Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships
These merit-based scholarships support students interested in careers related to the environment or native students in tribal public policy or health care.
General STEM Scholarships
Bellevue College NSF – STEM Scholars Network Scholarship
One-time $6,000 scholarship open to students entering Bellevue College after participating in the STEM to Stern Summer Bridge Program. Students must submit the FAFSA/WASFA and successfully complete the summer program to qualify. Students must also be enrolled in a STEM degree program, and the funds can only be used for study at Bellevue College.
Brightech STEM Lights Me Up Scholarship
Awarded to the most creative essay written on the topic “What lights you up about STEM”? The winner of the scholarship will receive the $500 and will be featured on our website.
Cardinal STEM Scholars Program
The Cardinal STEM Scholars Program supports current and entering Skagit Valley College students who plan to complete transfer degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). STEM Students with financial need can receive up to $5,700 per year to help cover cost of attendance at Skagit Valley College. The Cardinal STEM Scholars Program is a STEM fellowship program providing scholarship recipients access to faculty mentoring, peer support and STEM experiences.
Everett Community College NSF – STEM Bridge Scholarship
$5,000 scholarship open to students accepted into the STEM Bridge program after participating in their first quarter (which is fully paid for by the program if accepted into STEM Bridge). Students must submit the FAFSA/WASFA and successfully complete the first quarter to qualify for the $5,000. Students must also be enrolled in a STEM program at Everett Community College to receive the scholarship.
Washington State Elks Association Joseph Darimont Vocational Grant Awards
Grants up to $1,000 for qualified applicants planning to pursue an eligible vocational/technical course above and supplemental to high school.
STEM Scholarships for Traditionally Underrepresented & Underserved Scholarships
Additional Catalog of Women in STEM Scholarships
ABC Wildlife is offering a scholarship designed to increase the number of women studying and influencing the future of science, including technology, engineering and math. In order to be eligible, students must be currently enrolled at a college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and studying or planning to study in the fields of science (excluding social sciences i.e. economics), engineering, mathematics, or technology.
The All Nations Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ANSLAMP) is funded by the National Science Foundation, with the goal of increasing the number of Native American students successfully completing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Students may apply throughout the year.
Anderson Sobel Cosmetics WISE (Women in STEM) Scholarship
The WISE Scholarship was created by Dr. Alexander Sobel to support, empower, and encourage women in Washington pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics.
Eligibility requirements: be a female Washington resident and pursuing a degree/career path in a STEM-related field at an institution of higher learning
Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
Open to high school seniors and college undergraduates who identify as female, reside in the United States and wish to pursue a STEM-related field of education.
OfferUp and Iron Hack Tech Career Empowerment Scholarship
$250,000 in Academic Scholarships to support Diversity in Tech – Delivering Digital Career Transformations for Women and Underrepresented Creators of Color. Apply by November 20 for your chance to qualify for a scholarship.
RunBidSell Automotive Scholarship for Black Women
Designed to assist and encourage black women to obtain degrees in automotive related fields to enhance their potential career path and the future of the automotive industry.
Zonta Club Women in STEAM Scholarship Award (includes Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing)
The Zonta Club of Everett recognizes young women 16-19 years of age who are interested in career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Aerospace manufacturing, including welding, fabrication, machining, engineering technology, composites technology and mechatronics. This scholarship is open also to females interested in nontraditional jobs in manufacturing (even if they are unsure of what to pursue) and females interested in attending any of the certified or degree programs at AMTEC, the Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center, Everett, Washington.