STEM Scholars (formally Minority Science) Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to address the unmet financial need of high school graduates from the city of Rochester who plan to attend college and major in science, technology, engineering, or math.

Application Period

November 1 to March 4

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

For graduating high school seniors residing in the city of Rochester who:

• Are planning to pursue a STEM concentration at any two- or four- year college or university;
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale); and
• Demonstrate unmet financial need;

Preference is given to minority students and to students whose course of study culminates in a degree in the fields of environmental studies or the sciences.

In order to be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must live in the city of Rochester and live within one of the following zip codes:

14604, 14605, 14606, 14607, 14608, 14609, 14610, 14611, 14612, 14613, 14615, 14616, 14617, 14618, 14619, 14620, 14621, 14622, 14623, 14624, 14625, 14626, or 14627

NOTE: Some zip codes listed above are shared between the city of Rochester and surrounding suburbs. Refer to the City of Rochester map for eligibility.

Application Process

To begin or continue your application, click here.

This scholarship is one of dozens connected to our Consolidated Scholarship Application. Applying for this scholarship means you’ll be considered for any other relevant opportunities within the Consolidated Application.

Committee/Selection Process

The selection process is coordinated through the Community Foundation. A committee of Community Foundation staff and community representatives reviews applications and selects the recipients.

Award Announcement and Payment

The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the recipient in April. Payment is made to the school for the recipient’s account in one lump sum in the Fall and split between the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received.

To release the initial scholarship payment, upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying enrollment in a science, technology, engineering, or math program at a two- or four-year college or university to the Community Foundation’s online Consolidated Scholarship Application between July 1 and August 15.

To release subsequent scholarship payments, upload the requested and required information including your unofficial transcript, class schedule, tuition bill, and the STEM Scholars Renewal Form verifying continued enrollment in a science, technology, engineering, or math program at a two- or four-year college or university and a minimum 2.5 GPA to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Acceptance and Renewal Form between July 1 and August 15.

Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of four awards in four consecutive years. Please see the Award Announcement and Payment section above for more information.

STEM Scholars Renewal Form