About the AAAS S-STEM Initiative
Advancing our knowledge of evidence-based best practices for recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and supporting low-income, high-achieving STEM students is of strategic importance for the nation. The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program provides competitive awards to enable higher education institutions to provide scholarships to low-income, high achieving STEM students who have demonstrated financial need. S-STEM projects also advance the adaptation, implementation, and study of evidence-based curricular and co-curricular activities that promote the recruitment, retention, and graduation of low-income students in STEM fields. Although individual awardees advance efforts on their own campuses, it is important for the community to periodically engage in a robust exchange of ideas and knowledge. To that end, this project led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science will convene two S-STEM Symposia, one in 2019 and a second in 2022. The two Symposia will together provide at least 1300 participants with an opportunity to:
(a) share and learn about effective STEM undergraduate education and workforce preparation strategies;
(b) disseminate effective STEM undergraduate education and workforce preparation ideas to their colleagues and others;
(c) make new connections and create collaborations;
(d) promote a shared measurement system;
(e) enhance communication; and
(f) generate a sense of community among those seeking to expand academic opportunities for low-income STEM students.
Our Next Symposium will take place September 29, 2022 - October 1,2022 in Washington, DC. For more information pertaining to the 2022 S-STEM Symposium click here.
About the NSF S-STEM Program
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program addresses the need for a high quality STEM workforce in STEM disciplines supported by the program and for the increased success of low-income academically talented students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The S-STEM program provides awards to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to fund scholarships and to advance the adaptation, implementation, and study of evidence-based curricular and co-curricular activities that promote recruitment, retention, and graduation in STEM for low-income, academically talented students with financial needs.