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NSF Supported S-STEM Program

The Appalachian High Achievers in STEM program is funded by a $2M NSF S-STEM grant in February 2025. The program is funded through the year 2031.



The National Science Foundation sponsored S-STEM scholarship program provides up to $8500 annually for up to four years to academically talented students of high financial need who intend on majoring in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or physics (excluding education majors in geology, math, and physics). Transfer students, incoming graduate students, and current juniors and seniors committing to pursue graduate studies can also apply.

The program provides a nurturing atmosphere that encourages excellence and builds collaborations as interdisciplinary clusters of students and faculty work together to develop and apply data science skills to solve research problems.

Qualified applicants must:
  • demonstrate financial need as defined by the US Department of Education rules for federal student aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
  • be a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States (excluding DACA), or a U.S. national
  • pursue a major in chemistry, computer science, geology, applied mathematics, or physics (excluding education degrees)
  • plan to attend Appalachian State full-time
  • display academic talent as evidenced by application materials

    Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Junior and Seniors at Appalachian State with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are also eligible if they commit to pursuing a graduate degree in one of the designed majors.

    To remain in the program, S-STEM scholars must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and meet all the program requirements.

    Highlights: Weekly seminars, Study groups for core classes, Mentoring and tutoring corner, Leadership workshop series, Peer-mentoring, Resume writing and internship/job search workshop, and Community building

    Applications for open scholarship positions are accepted at any time. Students are evaluated on a first-come first-served basis. Entering freshmen may be invited to campus for an interview. On campus students are interviewed by the program directors.

    Departments: Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy