Best STEM Education Grants in Utah

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

The Robert Rector Scholarship honors a legacy of education in machining and tool making, founded by Robert Rector, who believed in the power of learning. This scholarship aims to support graduates from Cascade, Cashmere, and Richland High Schools who are pursuing careers in metallurgy. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate interest in Material Science classes. This initiative encourages young talents to develop essential skills in a high-demand industry.

The Howard D. Colman Scholarship supports high school seniors from Boone and Winnebago Counties pursuing degrees in engineering or technology fields. Established in memory of entrepreneur Howard D. Colman, the scholarship offers $2,500 in the first year, with potential renewal up to $10,000 for three additional years, contingent on meeting criteria. Recipients gain hands-on experience through internships with local firms, fostering connections to the Rockford area.

The Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors high-achieving students pursuing education in math and science. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.4. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their academic pursuits in fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in further education.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grants, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, support U.S. educators in purchasing humane alternatives to animal dissection. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for innovative learning tools like 3D models and synthetic specimens. This initiative promotes ethical education in anatomy labs, ensuring teachers have access to effective resources while fostering a compassionate approach to learning.

The Ernest B. and Marie H. Graham Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors pursuing studies in Mathematics or STEM fields. This renewable scholarship, available to students from select San Antonio school districts, covers tuition and fees for up to three years. Applicants must maintain a C average and enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.

The Partnership for Transition to College Readiness Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to foster collaborations between high schools and local higher education institutions to enhance 12th-grade college readiness in mathematics. This initiative targets students identified as not yet prepared for college-level math, emphasizing forward-looking strategies that prioritize readiness over remedial approaches. Eligible applicants must include both high school and higher education faculty, with a focus on innovation and student success.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

W.R. "Bill" Asplund Scholarship

W.R. “Bill” Asplund (1932-2022) was a well-loved teacher in the Science Department at Wenatchee High School (WHS) from 1963 through 1987. He was a mentor to many students, instilling an appreciation for chemistry, scientific curiosity, and the natural world. He also introduced many to the outdoors as an advisor to the WHS Alpine Club, and later as an outdoor sports retailer in Wenatchee.

His childhood was harsh; he was homeless for a time. This gave him a life-long appreciation for those who helped him become a teacher and an advocate for wilderness conservation.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation scholarship, in partnership with NextEra Energy Foundation, is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in environment, energy, cultural sustainability, or a major in a STEM or STEM-related discipline. Native American students pursuing degrees that prepare them for the renewable energy workforce are encouraged to apply. 

This program will award 16 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per academic year. This opportunity is a need-based award.

Indigenous students pursuing STEM-related vocational or trade programs in Utah can receive US $2,000 scholarships for full-time study. American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) supports certificate and vocational students in fields like welding, automotive or diesel technology, clean energy, IT, construction, business, and related areas who are AISES members with a 2.0+ GPA at accredited institutions.

Female high school seniors pursuing STEM or medical fields can receive scholarship support for accredited nonprofit colleges or vocational schools in the U.S., though this fund is limited to residents of Erie, Huron, or Ottawa counties in Ohio. The Erie County Community Foundation’s Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund may benefit students interested in STEM education opportunities similar to those in Utah.

American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing full-time STEM degrees at accredited institutions can receive need-based scholarships, including those from Utah. Focused on science and related fields, Native Forward Scholars Fund invites eligible students who can document Tribal affiliation to apply for awards ranging from US $100 to US $30,000 per academic year.

High school seniors planning STEM or arts-related post-secondary study may be eligible for this need-based scholarship, which supports science, math, business, art, or music fields. Grants from Erie Community Foundation help Utah students pursuing STEM education who meet GPA and financial-need preferences similar to this Erie County-focused opportunity.

Utah high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. colleges, universities, or technical institutions can access funding through the Future’s Resilient Student Scholarship, which awards US $10,000 and mentorship toward aerospace careers. Students interested in STEM or aerospace education who demonstrate financial need may be strong candidates for this Aiaa Foundation opportunity.

Focused on STEM education, American Association of University Women invites Utah AAUW branches and state organizations to seek funding for hands-on STEM programs for girls in grades K–12. Eligible projects build skills, confidence, STEM identity, or college and career readiness, with awards up to US $10,000 for innovative local initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and tax-exempt educational institutions in Utah can receive up to US $50,000 to run community-based STEM programs for girls in grades K–12. American Association of University Women supports hands-on learning, mentorship with women in STEM, family engagement, and confidence-building experiences, with eligibility limited to U.S.-based projects, including territories.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing STEM-related undergraduate degrees, especially those interested in strong academic scholarship support, can access funding through the Carter Creech Scholarship in Troy, Missouri. Offered by Communities Foundation of Texas, awards up to US $32,000 support top-performing students with rigorous coursework and high test scores; Utah STEM programs may reference it as a model opportunity.

Utah Catholic high school seniors interested in chemistry or engineering majors can access funding through the Catholic Community Foundation’s Ralph M. Knight Chemistry & Engineering Scholarship. This one-time US $5,000 award supports freshman-year tuition at a four-year U.S. college or university for registered, practicing Catholic students in STEM fields.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing education or healthcare fields can receive scholarship funding for four-year colleges in Nebraska; awards are US $2,000 for tuition support. Lincoln Community Foundation supports STEM and related education pathways, and Utah STEM education programs may look to this opportunity as a model when exploring similar scholarships.

Native American and Alaska Native higher-education students pursuing STEM internships can receive funding for travel, housing, and commuting costs, including placements in Utah. Native Forward Scholars Fund provides support for internships with Department of Interior agencies or other approved STEM opportunities, with priority for those applying their STEM training in education-focused roles or settings.

STEM educators and students in Utah can seek professional development funding for training, conferences, continuing education, and certifications that support STEM teaching and learning. Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with the BIE, assists eligible American Indian and Alaska Native applicants employed at qualifying schools or attending TCUs and accredited post-secondary institutions with registration, travel, and related costs.

Graduate students seeking funding to present STEM or other scholarly work at professional conferences can apply for Montana State University’s Graduate Professional Advancement Grant. Focused on graduate education, this program offers up to US $750 for travel by eligible MSU Bozeman students, which may benefit Utah-based conference participation.

Graduate teaching assistants involved in STEM or higher education instruction can receive semester scholarships for their teaching at Montana State University, including those from Utah studying there. Focused on teaching excellence, Montana State University invites graduate GTAs who meet professional development, appointment, and standing requirements to apply for awards up to US $1,000.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate Scholars Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to recruit and retain minority graduate students in STEM fields. This program offers significant benefits, including a $32,000 annual stipend and $12,000 educational allowance for two years, fostering a supportive community through monthly dinners for Indigenous graduate students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and have participated in an LSAMP program.

The Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) Scholarship Program, funded by the A.P. Sloan Foundation, aims to support Indigenous graduate students in STEM fields. This program, a collaboration among the Montana University System institutions, offers scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities to enhance the academic journey of Indigenous students. With awards of $20,000 for M.S. and $40,000 for Ph.D. candidates, the SIGP seeks to increase the number of Indigenous scholars earning advanced degrees in science and engineering.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.