561 Build STEM Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by South Florida Forensic Engineering
Overview
Description: This is an annual scholarship program for students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). One recipient is chosen each year to receive support for their academic progress. The program accepts applicants enrolled in or accepted to accredited U.S. institutions as well as high school students who have been accepted to such programs. The application process is competitive and intended to recognize academic and professional potential in STEM fields.
- Annual program focused on STEM education
- Single recipient awarded each year
- Open to enrolled and accepted students
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, university, or technical school program that leads to a certificate, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science, or be a high school student accepted into such a program. Non-science majors with clear relevance to STEM (for example, healthcare administration or business with a STEM minor) will be considered. Foreign students may apply, but the program has limited capacity to evaluate foreign transcripts that are not in English. Applicants should provide accurate institutional enrollment information and a student identifier where applicable.
- Enrollment or acceptance at an accredited U.S. institution required
- Related non-science majors may qualify
- Foreign applicants welcome; English transcripts preferred
Application Requirements
Application Requirements: Submit a one- to two-page personal essay describing your background, degree major, and academic and professional goals. Include full name as enrolled, student ID number, email, phone number, and the school department address that will receive the award check. Provide a 3×5 headshot photo and a short announcement bio of about 150 words. If not yet enrolled, submit a letter of acceptance along with transcripts from your prior institution.
- Essay (1–2 pages) detailing goals and background
- Complete contact and school payment address information
- Headshot and ~150-word bio for announcement
Award Value & Timeline
Award Value & Timeline: The scholarship awards a single $1,000 prize each year. The application deadline is December 31, and the selection decision will be made with the winner notified by January 31. All required application materials should be submitted by the stated deadline to ensure timely consideration. Recipients will be asked to confirm acceptance and provide any final documentation needed to process the award check.
- $1,000 single annual award
- Application deadline: December 31
- Notification of winner by January 31
Submission Instructions & Notes
Submission Instructions: Transcripts must be sent as sealed electronic records directly from the issuing institution; if that is not possible, an administrator may scan and transmit the transcript from a verifiable staff email address. Send electronic transcripts in December whenever possible, since some schools provide a limited window to open electronic files and the committee monitors the inbox only at award time. Transcripts not in English cannot currently be evaluated. Ensure all materials arrive by the deadline to avoid disqualification.
- Transcripts: sealed electronic delivery from the institution preferred
- Administrative scans from verifiable school email acceptable when necessary
- Send transcripts in December due to limited access windows
Privacy & Publication
Publication: Acceptance of the award check constitutes consent to publish the recipient’s announcement bio on the program website. Bios of minors under age 18 will not be published. No additional privacy practices are provided here; applicants should assume that the announcement bio and headshot will be used publicly for award communications.
- Accepting the award implies consent to publish the bio
- Bios for recipients under 18 will not be published
- Headshot and bio are required for announcement purposes