NAU NSF S-STEM Scholarship Program

About the program

Northern Arizona University (NAU), through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), wants to help you pursue your Engineering or Computer Science degree and career with a S-STEM Scholarship. During academic year 2024-2025, this scholarship is available for seven first-year and four transfer students with unmet financial need as indicated by Pell Grant eligibility, for an amount of up to $10,000 annually for four and two years, respectively. Students planning to complete a four-year degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering are strongly encouraged to apply.

In addition, this scholarship provides more than funding. Through the program, you will participate in activities that supply peer support and mentorship from faculty and promote professional development. You will be encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities that will help you grow personally and professionally, and will better prepare you for a successful career in the workplace. Throughout the course of the program, you will be given the opportunity to apply for industry internships as well as for research activities on campus.

If you aspire to advance technology and impact our global society, this program provides the tools and opportunity to shape your future while effecting change in your industry.

Scholarship details

The scholarship is awarded annually for an amount of up to $10,000, and is renewable for up to three years for first-year students and for one year for transfer students (i.e., for a total of four and two years of financial support, respectively), provided that good academic standing is maintained.

Application requirements

Applicants must:

• be US citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or refugees
• plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering, or in Computer Science
• have full-time enrollment status in one of the above programs
• show strong academic promise (i.e., high GPA, excellent recommendations, or high standardized tests scores) if incoming first-year students
• maintain a college GPA of at least 3.00
• demonstrate financial need remaining after all other financial aid has been awarded – i.e., the amount of college costs that aren’t covered by the student’s expected family contribution (according to financial aid applications), grants, scholarships, or federal student loans. This need will be determined by the NAU Financial Aid Office
• complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each year, as eligibility may change annually according to FAFSA results
• demonstrate high likelihood of professional success (good communication skills, motivation, engagement, etc.)
• complete the S-STEM Scholarship application

Students from historically underrepresented populations (female, African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian/Native American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Native Pacific Islander) are encouraged to apply.

Program services

In addition to receiving a scholarship, the S-STEM Scholars will receive faculty and peer mentoring, have opportunities to engage in research experiences (including seminars and access to faculty research laboratories), and can take advantage of internship opportunities, other professional development activities, and social events.

Becoming a S-STEM Scholar: department application and admission

We are actively looking for eligible students, please send us your application today! Applications are reviewed as received and decisions on scholarship award immediately follow.  You are in an excellent position to apply if you have strong academic credentials, are Pell Grant eligible, and have been admitted to NAU Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science. 

We encourage you to contact the academic department(s) you are considering before applying, so you can discuss the application process, raise questions you might have, and receive advice about making your departmental application as strong as possible.

Contact Constantin Ciocanel for additional information on:

• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Contact Kyle Winfree for additional information on:

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science

If you have been admitted to a department, we will be in touch with more details about consideration for the NSF S-STEM Scholarship; you may able reach out to your departmental advisor for more information and to express an interest in the award.

FAFSA deadlines

The FAFSA form for the 2024-2025 school year is currently available on the FAFSA web site.

Prospective students are STRONGLY encouraged to submit their 2024-2025 FAFSA form to FAFSA and indicate NAU as their prospective school on the FAFSA application. NAU will then be sent a copy of their results. Indicate NAU as your prospective school on your FAFSA application, and NAU will be sent a copy of your results. Most university priority deadlines are around the same time, and meeting priority deadlines means you will be eligible for the most favorable financial aid packages at the university you attend. However, if you do miss the priority deadline, don’t worry! Simply apply as soon as you are able. Furthermore, you do need to have FAFSA data on file at NAU indicating Pell Grant eligibility to receive the NSF S-STEM Scholarship.