The main goal of the S-STEM program is to enable
academically talented, low-income students to pursue successful careers in
promising STEM fields. Ultimately, the S-STEM program seeks to increase the
number of academically promising low-income students who graduate with an
S-STEM eligible degree and contribute to the American innovation economy with
their STEM knowledge. Recognizing that financial aid alone cannot increase
retention and graduation in STEM, the program provides awards to institutions
of higher education (IHEs) not only to fund scholarships, but also to adapt,
implement, and study evidence-based curricular and
co-curricular[https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/s-stem-nsf-scholarships-science-technology-engineering-mathematics/nsf25-514/solicitation#refa]
activities that have been shown to be effective in supporting recruitment,
retention, transfer (if appropriate), student success, academic/career
pathways, and graduation in STEM.

To be eligible, scholars must be domestic low-income
students with academic ability, talent, or potential and demonstrated unmet
financial need who are enrolled in an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate
degree program in an S-STEM eligible discipline. Proposers must provide an
analysis that articulates the characteristics and academic needs of the
population of students they are trying to serve. NSF is particularly interested
in supporting the attainment of degrees in fields identified as critical needs
for the Nation. It is up to the proposer to make a compelling case that such a
field serves a critical need in the United States.

Note, UCR is not eligible to submit Awards for Track 1.

Awards for Track 2 (Implementation: Single Institution)
projects may not exceed $2,000,000 total for a maximum duration of 6 years

Awards for Track 3 (Inter-institutional Consortia)
projects may not exceed $5,000,000 total for a maximum duration of 6 years.

Cost Sharing: Inclusion of voluntary cost sharing is prohibited.