Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Scholarships

The San Diego Foundation is the region's second largest provider of scholarships after Universities.

Over 1200 separate scholarship funds are available to students with a variety of focal areas from sports to community service. Approximately 10% target STEM areas of focus:

• AeA (American Electronic Association) (est. 1991)
• BIOCOM (est. 1997)
• Helm Family (est. 2007)
• Qualcomm STEM (est. 2006)
• Reuben H. Fleet (est. 1996)
• SDG&E - Energy Achievement (est. 2006)
• Stuart L. Noderer Memorial (est. 2003)
• UCSD Black Alumni Scholarship Fund for
  Engineering, Mathematics and Science (2002)

The following fund calls for additional support:

• Community College Transfer For Math & Science (est. 2004)

Although many scholarships exist, few are oriented toward mathematics & science. Even fewer are explicitly targeted to Community College students transferring to four–year schools. Yet the eight San Diego Community Colleges are a huge feeder source of diverse, first-generation college, and low–income students. This program partners with individuals and companies to provide scholarships to encourage, and support, community college students who are obtaining their baccalaureate in mathematics and science.

Sponsors include:

• The Science & Technology Working Group; In response to a 10-year analysis that showed declines in affordability and access to college for most Americans with conclusions that, over the long run, no state had increased financial-aid spending enough to keep pace with tuition ("Measuring Up 2004," National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. San Jose, CA), the STWG established the fund and has had 100% annual participation. This program reflects the mission of the Working Group to improve mathematics and science education in the San Diego region.
• BIOCOM, a life science industry association representing more than 550 member companies in San Diego and Southern California.