What is S-STEM Program?

National Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM) supports institutions of higher education to fund scholarships for academically talented low-income students and to study and implement a program of activities that support their recruitment, retention, and graduation in STEM.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility for an S-STEM scholarship will be determined by a number of factors. Currently, all eligible students must be:

  • U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien
  • Majoring in Computer Science at Queens College
  • Having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Considered Low-income Status (a zero or low expected family contribution) as indicated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and evidence of unmet financial need
  • Applying from either: Community College with an Associates Degree who transfers (with priority to LAGCC and QCC students), OR Queens College who entered as freshmen and will become a Junior or Senior in the Fall 2024 semester
How much money can I receive?

Amounts can change yearly. The maximum NSF S-STEM Scholarship is $5,000 each semester for up to 2 years.

Additionally, you must fill out the FAFSA form every year while you are in school in order to stay eligible for the NSF S-STEM Scholarships.

Is this only for juniors?

You are qualified if you are becoming a Junior or Senior in the Fall 2024 semester. Applicants who are graduating soon may not receive the full 2-year stipend but are still encouraged to apply.

Due to the NSF ETAP system limitation, if you are applying as a rising senior, please select “Yes, I will be a raising junior who entered QC as a freshman.” during your application.

How do I apply?

You should start the application through the NSF ETAP website and select “Apply Now”. The grant use the information on the application form to determine your eligibility for a scholarship, and how much you’re eligible to receive.

What should I do to maintain the scholarship?

In general, you must maintain enrollment in a computer science course of study at Queens College to receive a NSF S-STEM scholarship.

In addition to making satisfactory academic progress, scholarship recipients will be required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for each semester. A minimum GPA of 2.8 may be accepted for transfers in the first semester at Queens.

Once you have earned a baccalaureate degree or have used up all 2 years of your eligibility, you will no longer be eligible to receive a NSF S-STEM scholarship.

Additionally, you must fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for the NSF S-STEM Scholarships.

Who should I contact if I have more questions about NSF S-STEM at QC?

Please email your questions to s-stem@qc.cuny.edu.

What is the NSF Award Title for this scholarship?

Improving the Retention and Success of High Performing, Low Income Undergraduates in Computer Science