New Federal Scholarship Program Announced for 2025
The Department of Education has announced a new $50 million scholarship program specifically for Native American students pursuing STEM degrees.
The U.S. Department of Education announced today a groundbreaking new scholarship program that will provide $50 million in funding for Native American students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees over the next five years.
Program Details
The Native American STEM Excellence Scholarship (NASES) represents the largest federal investment in Native American STEM education in over a decade.
Eligibility Requirements
- Tribal Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe
- Academic Standing: Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Field of Study: Must be pursuing a STEM degree at an accredited institution
- Enrollment Status: Full-time undergraduate or graduate students
Award Amounts
- Undergraduate: Up to $10,000 per year
- Graduate Students: Up to $15,000 per year
- Doctoral Candidates: Up to $20,000 per year
Application Timeline
Applications will open January 15, 2026 and close March 31, 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Required documents include:
- Tribal enrollment certificate or CDIB
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (500-750 words)
- FAFSA completion confirmation
Why This Matters
Native Americans remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, comprising less than 1% of the STEM workforce despite making up over 2% of the U.S. population. This scholarship aims to increase representation and close the opportunity gap.