Level up your STEM Skills and Knowledge

STEM Opportunity Scholarships (SOS) gives people who live in Franklin and Somerset counties scholarship funds to afford STEM-related training to help them earn a credential of value. A credential of value could be a certificate, a license needed for a certain job, or a degree. The award supports people starting or changing careers through a bachelor's degree. 

Scholarships are available to those meeting these three criteria:

• Residents of Franklin and Somerset counties

• Persons between the ages of 16 and 64

• Persons accepted to or enrolled in, post-high school course of study to gain a credential of value in a STEM-related field through a bachelor's degree.

A high school diploma is not required, however, training must occur outside of a traditional high school or CTE (career and technical education) center. This training program needs to lead toward the person earning a credential of value. The STEM selection committee will work to make sure people with different backgrounds and experiences are able to apply for these funds. SOS funds are awarded to people without regard to family income, academic history, race, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. SOS will not award scholarships to applicants who are not qualified and reserves the right not to award scholarships in a given year.

Deadline: Application forms and all required documentation are considered by the SOS selection committee ongoing throughout the year. The selection committee meets a minimum of three times per year to consider applicants. Interested people can also email us at SOSforME207@gmail.com for more information. 

Award Components:

• Scholarships range from $2,000-$4,000 to help students attend  training or education related to STEM fields.

• A maximum of ten (10) scholarships may be awarded each year, not to exceed a total of $20,000 annually.

• Awards to students are chosen by the SOS selection committee for expenses related to students’ costs of attendance to qualified programs.

• Award winners will be notified within 30 days of the selection committee’s decisions with funds sent within 30 days of receipt of the individual’s official acceptance.

• Scholarship funds will only be awarded to the student’s training or education institution once the SOS committee receives information confirming the student’s intent to attend.

• SOS aid does not have to be repaid and may be used for any expense related to the cost of education. 

• Applicants may reapply for the scholarship and receive an award no more than once per calendar year.

To access the STEM Opportunity Scholarship, please click here or on the link above.